Thrive Magazine January 2018 Issue

January 2018

PREPPING FOR TAX SEASON

SPECIAL SECTION:

first person

with Lecile Harris Pro Rodeo’s Master Comedian

January 2018

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Rehabilitation Hospital

of Jennings

DIAgNOSeS THAT we TReAT

• Brain Injury

• Hip Fractures

• Strokes

• Osteoarthritis/DJD

• Amputations

• Neurological Disorders

• Burns

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Major Multiple Trauma

• Congenital Deformities

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Systemic Vasculidities

• Joint Replacements

Others who can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation are postoperative patients, accident victims and cancer patients.

24 Hour Nursing Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy • Nutritional Counseling and Monitoring Case Management Call for a free assessment today.

One Hospital Drive, Ste. 101 • Jennings, LA 70546 • Phone: (337) 821-5353 • Fax: (337) 821-5355 or 5366 jenningsrehab@yahoo.com • www.jenningsrehab.com 2 www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

January 2018

January 2018

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Contents In This Issue Wining &Dining

6 New Takes on King Cakes 8 Let’s Do Lunch! SOWELA’s Culinary Arts Students 10 Snack Right—A Guide to Healthy Noshing Places &Faces 15 – 25 Special Section: 26 Going for Gold: 2018 Olympics 28 OLOL Children’s Hospital Builds New Facility

Mardi Gras

Home &Family LIFE 32 – 41 Cover Story: TRENDS

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2018

42 Project-Based Learning at ICCS 43 Mentoring and Juvenile Crime Reduction 44 MSU Awards its First Health Systems Management Degree tyle &Beauty S 46 Simplify Your Life with a Capsule Wardrobe 48 Blush, Bronzer, Contour, & Highlight: What’s the Difference 50 A Guys’ List of New Year’s Style Resolutions

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oney &Career M 5 2 – 57 Special Feature: for a Smoother Tax Season 58 Making Payments with Phone Apps 60 How to Make Your Morning More Productive

Prep Now

Mind &Body

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Gym Bag Essentials 66 Preventing Workout-Related Injuries 68 Got Exercise on Your Resolution List?

Regular Features

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First Person with Lecile Harris By the Numbers: OLOL Children’s Hospital

30 45 61 70

Who’s News McNeese Corral Business Buzz Solutions for Life Managing Editor

DON’T JUST LIVE, THRIVE!

Thrive is designed for people focused on living a happy, healthy life, one that is balanced, full of energy and contentment. Thrive readers want to make the most of every day and to be successful in all areas of their lives – family, health, home and career.

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Angie Kay Dilmore

Editors and Publishers Kristy Como Armand

Christine Fisher Creative Director

Barbara VanGossen

Design and Layout

Mandy Gilmore

Business Manager Katie McDaniel Stevenson Advertising Sales katie@thriveswla.com 337.310.2099 Submissions edit@thriveswla.com

Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

January 2018

January 2018

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Wining & Dining

New Takes on

King Cakes

by Angie Kay Dilmore

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cheesecake photo by Tademy Design and Photography

This time of year, king cakes abound in grocery stores, bakeries, breakfast nooks, and office break rooms. Because we all love those familiar sweet rounds of filled bread drenched in colorful icing, several area businesses have creatively concocted their own unique versions of king cake-inspired goodness.

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January 2018

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Fitness One Stop makes a King Cake Smoothie with creamy, lactose-free Greek yogurt combined with a low carb, lactose-free whey isolate protein. This healthy twist on a Louisiana classic contains hints of cheesecake, cinnamon, and vanilla. In Gigi’s Downtown, 709 Ryan St.

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MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub crafts a King Cake Martini. It’s a creambased vodka drink made with Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, Hiram Walker Butterscotch Schnapps, and Frangelico. 417 Ann St.

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Acadian Coffee Roasters blends a King Cake Coffee. From the sweetness of the cake to the cinnamon & sugar toppings, you may just think a cake is baking while your coffee brews! 2908 Hodges St. and the Tuesday Cash and Carry Farmers’ Market.

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January 2018

Sweet Chic Cupcakes bakes a King Cake Cheesecake. It boasts a thick layer of rich cheesecake on a cinnamon graham cracker crust, with a thin layer of strawberry filling and lots of creamy king cake frosting. The cheesecake can be found at both Sweet Chic locations. Luna Bar and Grill also sells it by the slice. 341 E Prien Lake Rd. and 4718 Nelson Rd. O’Neill’s Doughnuts offers a King Cake variety made of a gluten-free cinnamon doughnut stuffed with cream cheese buttercream and topped with a vanilla glaze. 421 Alamo St Mama Shine’s Shaved Ice and More makes a frosty King Cake Snowball with berry-flavored Mardi Gras cream. Available through the month of February.

2514 Smith Rd. Delicious Donuts has long offered their Boudin King Cake, but now they’ve added a new twist to their line of King Cakes -- the Bayou King Cake!

It’s made with three decadent cheeses, jalapeno peppers, and a scrumptious blend of Cajunseasoned shrimp, crawfish, and imitation crab meat, all topped with bacon bits and more cheese.

2283 Country Club Rd.

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2018 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 6:00 PM

Little Miss and Mr. Cameron Parish / Miss Cameron Parish Pageants | CPSB Conference Ctr. 512 Marshall St., Cameron/ Admission $5

9:00 AM Antique Vehicles Showcase - 4:00 PM No admission 9:00 AM

Gumbo Cook-Off (cooks allowed in at 6:30 AM)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 9:00 AM

Trap Shooting-Southeast Fairgrounds

Dog Trials (registration beginsend of Earl Rd.)

10:00 AM Dog Trials Begin- Junior Puppies/ Seasoned Dogs to follow 12:00 PM Gates Open- Main Fairgrounds $5 per person/ $15 weekend pass- (includes admission to Friday evening pageant)/ children 12 & under free

Carnival Opens- Main Fairgrounds 10:00 AM Muskrat & Nutria Skinning Competition –Main Fairgrounds Trap Setting Competition Main Fairgrounds Oyster Shucking Competition Main Fairgrounds

4:30 Dustin Sonnier & The Wanted - 7:00 PM performs-Main Fairgrounds 6:30 PM

LA Fur & Wildlife Fur Queen Contest/Teen Miss Fur Crowning of King Fur CPSB Conference Ctr., 512 Marshall St., Cameron/ Admission $5

7:00 Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition - 10:30PM performs- Main Fairgrounds

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 7:00 AM

Late Registration 4th Annual Fur Festival 5k Run- and 1-mile fun walk | Cameron Jetty Pier, end of Davis Rd. (For Early Registration and additional information: register.cajuntiming.com)

Gates Open- Main Fairgrounds $10 per person/ children 12 & under free

11:00 Brad Broussard performs-1:30 PM Main Fairgrounds 11:30 AM Gumbo Cook-Off Judging Main Fairgrounds 1:30 PM

Parade- Downtown Cameron (line up at Cameron Construction Yard)

3:00 PM

Duck and Goose Calling Competition- Southeast Fairgrounds

3:00 - 6:30

Steel Shot performs- Main Fairgrounds

7:30 Keith Frank & The Soileau - 10:30AM Zydeco Band performs- Main Fairgrounds

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All events will take place on the fairgrounds located at the former Pat’s of Cameron (513 Marshall Street) in Downtown Cameron, unless otherwise stated.

ICE CHESTS, OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON THE FAIRGROUNDS. ONLY SERVICE ANIMALS ALLOWED.

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Wining & Dining

Let’s Do Lunch!

SOWELA’s Culinary Arts Students Learn Skills through Real-Life Experience Southwest Louisiana’s best-kept dining secret is not a restaurant, but rather a school. SOWELA Technical Community College’s Culinary Arts Program offers top-notch lunches to the public three days a week at The Landing Restaurant in the Charleston Building on campus.

The meals are planned, prepared, and served by the students in the culinary program. Because it is part of their learning experience, they offer a wide variety of fare, including regional and international, Cajun, Creole, and Tex Mex. Food is served buffet-style on Wednesdays and Fridays, and a la carte from a varying menu on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Price per meal is a reasonable $8. Approximately 40-70 people enjoy these meals each day while the students gain valuable experience.

SOWELA began offering their Culinary Arts program more than 25 years ago. Currently, 68 students are in the program. They earn either a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or an eighteen month certification. The job prospects for these students are excellent and a wide range of employment opportunities are available. Graduates may be hired by local casinos, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes,

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by Angie Kay Dilmore

bakeries, or restaurants. Instructor of Culinary Arts Roy Angelle said the program teaches students how to prepare various menu items and sharpens their cooking skills, as well as prepares them to enter the workforce.

Student Leslie Laroux plans to graduate from the program this May. She enjoys baking and decorating desserts, and aspires to work at a local casino. One of the most important lessons she has learned in the program is to stay calm when things go wrong in the kitchen. “Just take a second, breathe, and then fix the problem,” said Laroux.

Dameon Fusilier, a retired U.S. Marine, plans to graduate from the program this coming December. He said he enjoys the challenge of preparing meals for the public and dreams of opening a food truck with his wife. “I have learned from the program that as long as you work as a team in the kitchen, there is nothing you can’t achieve. Working as a team in the culinary world is critical and leads to success.”

Public lunches will resume mid-February. For more information or to be added to a weekly email list with menu details, call program secretary Theda Trahan at 337-421-6591.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

January 2018

2018 Season Highlights include Artrageous, Wildlife Expert Peter Gros & Moscow Nights RHYTHM FUTURE QUARTET Tues. March 6 | 7 pm Central School Theatre ARTRAGEOUS Thurs. March 8 | 7 pm Bulber Auditorium WALK THE LINE Sat. March 10 | 3 pm Stokes Auditorium MOSCOW NIGHTS & GOLDEN GATES DANCERS Thurs. March 15 | 7 pm Bulber Auditorium THE STEPCREW Sat. March 24 | 7 pm Bulber Auditorium ALINA FERNANDEZ, CASTRO’S DAUGHTER Wed. March 28 | 7 pm Tritico Theatre REED TIMMER: EXTREME METEOROLOGIST & STORMCHASER Wed. April 11 | 7 pm Tritico Theatre HELL ON EARTH: THE FALL OF SYRIA & THE RISE OF ISIS Sat. April 14 | 3 pm Stokes Auditorium ZEB HOGAN: HOST OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S MONSTER FISH Tues. April 17 | 7 pm Parra Ballroom PETER GROS: MUTUAL OF OMAHA’S WILD KINGDOM Fri. April 20 | 7 pm Bulber Auditorium MARY POPPINS Sat. April 21 | 3 pm Stokes Auditorium ARTURO SANDOVAL Sun. April 22 | 7 pm Central School Theatre

Tickets & Memberships January 2018

ON SALE NOW!

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THE MALPASS BROTHERS Thurs. April 26 | 7 pm Bulber Auditorium THE EAGLE HUNTRESS Sat. April 28 | 3 pm Stokes Auditorium www.thriveswla.com

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Wining & Dining

Tips for Healthy Snacking First, a few tips.

A Guide to Healthy Noshing

by Keaghan P. Wier

The new year is here, and with it all our resolutions to eat healthier and resist the temptation of sweets. One of the easiest ways to break that resolution is by consuming snack foods – quick, easy-to-grab things like chips, crackers, and pre-packaged sweets. If you struggle to maintain your healthy diet, here are some tips and ideas to up your healthy snacking game in 2018!

• When you have the option, choose whole foods. Opt for high protein, low sugar snacks over carb-loaded sugary things.

Nuts, fruit, veggies, lean meat, whole grain carbs, and healthy fats like avocados and eggs are better than crackers or chips.

• Think outside the box. Oatmeal is a great, filling, high-fiber food, and there are plenty of ways to make snack bites or healthy “cookies” using oats, peanut butter, and fruit. Don’t restrict eggs and oats to “breakfast” foods.

• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is key to staying healthy.

• If you are able, do some food prep at the beginning of the week (or whenever you go grocery shopping.) Wash and chop fruits and veggies, and assemble ready-to-go snack packs with nuts, cheese, eggs, and veggies.

• Know yourself – do you prefer salty or sweet snacks? Find healthy alternatives to things that you like, rather than trying to entirely change your preferences.

• Find options that fit your schedule and needs. There are many healthy prepackaged snacks available. From yogurt and nut cups to hummus with veggie sticks, you can find healthy snacks that require no prep or energy at your local grocery store.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

January 2018

Easy Options for Satisfying Your Munching Needs

To give you a place to start, try these easy ways to upgrade your snacking.

• R.e.d.d. Energy Bars: These energy bars are packed with great ingredients, nine grams of protein, 23 vitamins and minerals, and 35+ milligrams of natural caffeine. They come in a variety of flavors like salted caramel and mint chocolate, and are loaded with superfood ingredients. Plus, the bars are gluten free, GMO-free, and vegan.

tried freezing berries or other bitesize fruits? Banana slices sandwiched with peanut butter, blueberries or strawberries coated in Greek yogurt and more all make sweet, chilled snacks. (Of course, these aren’t as great to pack in a lunchbox, but they’re good for munching on if you have access to a freezer.)

• Roasted Chickpeas: Use a few cans of chickpeas, some olive oil, and your favorite spices to whip up this crunchy and savory snack. Chickpeas are a great source of protein, but offer a different flavor and texture than nuts.

• Oatmeal Energy Bites: The great thing about this snack is that it’s entirely customizable! Start with oats and a nut butter of your choice.

(Most recipes call for peanut butter, but you could also use almond or cashew butter.) Add honey to your preferred sweetness, then any mixins you’d like -- chocolate chips, dried fruit, cocoa powder, and coconut chips are all great options. These are fun to pack in a kid’s lunch, too.

• Frozen Fruit: We all know that fruit is a great healthy snack, but have you

Choose To Lose

Your Reading Glasses Introducing the

Raindrop® Near Vision Inlay If you’re at the age where you need reading glasses to see your phone or read a newspaper, menu, or computer screen, The Eye Clinic now has a better option: the new Raindrop Near Vision Inlay.

The Raindrop Inlay is safe way to treat presbyopia, or age-related near vision loss.

This is a natural part of aging that most people begin to experience after age 40 as

the lens of the eye loses its natural elasticity.

Raindrop is the world’s first inlay to change the shape of the cornea (the clear, front part of the eye) to improve near vision.

See things differently in 2018 with Raindrop!

(337) 478-3810 or 1-800-826-5223 | TheEyeClinic.net January 2018

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Places & Faces

first person

by Angie Kay Dilmore

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with

Lecile Harris

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Pro Rodeo’s Master Comedian

January 2018

Lecile Harris has been a cowboy all his life. He was raised on a Tennessee farm, where he and Ethel, his wife of 61 years, still reside. In high school, he and a friend went to a rodeo, ostensibly to meet girls. But the bull riding lured him in. While he found it thrilling, he was too tall (6’5”) and lanky to excel at the sport. But in 1955, when a bullfighter (a daredevil who protects the bull riders by coaxing the bull away from a fallen cowboy) was absent one day, Lecile was asked to fill in. With zero training as a bullfighter, he stepped into the arena and began a career that has spanned over six decades.

What he did not initially understand was that, to be successful, bullfighters also needed to be funny. It was through this realization that Lecile found his true calling.

Always the class clown in school, Lecile took to comedy relatively easily.

Nonetheless, he continues to hone his craft, and his hard work has paid off.

Lecile is one of rodeo’s most respected funnymen and has earned numerous awards over the years, including Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association Clown of the Year in 1992, 1994, 1995, and 1996. In 2007, he was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. His success as a rodeo clown led to other unique opportunities. Lecile

January 2018

has appeared in several Hollywood movies and was a regular on the hit television series Hee Haw for five years. One of his most prized trophies is a large plaque in the shape of Louisiana that designates him as an “Honorary Coonass.”

In 1988, at age 52, Lecile was severely injured by a bull at a Reno rodeo. This event ended his work as a bullfighter, but he has continued to entertain the crowds as a rodeo clown. To this day, he still wears the buckle he wore the night of that injury, which was given to him when he was voted as a bullfighter for the PRCA Southeastern circuit finals, a remarkable feat for someone in his fifties. At the peak of his career, Lecile performed in more than 150 performances a year. Now 81 years old, he has “cut back” to around 75 shows a year. One such event is the annual Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo, held at Burton Coliseum next month, February 1-3.

Lecile says the Lake Charles Rodeo has been a favorite of his “for so many years.”

Thrive recently spoke with Lecile Harris, from his farm in Collierville, Tennessee, and he talked about his storied career in the rodeo business, what keeps him going after all these years, and the importance of timing.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

What comedians influenced you most when you first began your comedy routine?

I enjoyed the work of Red Skelton, Laurel and Hardy, even W. C. Fields.

I tried to emulate the [cartoon character] Pink Panther’s moves. I learned from these comedians, but I never copied them. I was always myself. Emmett Kelly was a circus clown with Ringling Brothers. He was the best clown I’ve ever seen. And he never spoke a word. Everything he did was pantomime. Watching him, I learned the importance of body language in comedy. He could say more without saying a word than anyone I’ve ever seen. His character was an old man clown. Even when I was young, I wanted my character to be an old clown -- a tramp. My makeup resembles Emmett Kelly’s.

How did you develop your act?

Because I was east of the Mississippi River, where rodeo is not as common, I wasn’t privy to other rodeo clowns.

So I had nothing to pattern after in either my bullfighting abilities or my comedy. It was a disadvantage at the time, but it turned out to be a great help because all of my moves were things I did to survive and get the job done, and I developed a unique style.

As I started working more rodeos, in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, both my comedy and bullfighting styles were so different from anyone else’s, it made me stand out and gave my career a boost. As my daddy used to say, I just dumb-assed into it.

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Places & Faces

You fixed tractor engines on the farm, played football in college, worked as a rock and roll session drummer in Memphis, and outsmarted bulls and kept rodeo spectators laughing from arenas around the world. Tell me about the importance of timing.

Good comedy has everything to do with timing. In comedy, timing is not everything; it’s the only thing. It’s more important in comedy than in fighting bulls. You can make a mistake in bull fighting and recover. But if you make a mistake in comedy timing, it’s a lonesome place out in the middle of that arena.

Your bullfighting achievements are noteworthy, but it’s the comedy you are most proud of. Why? I learned to fight bulls well enough to go to the circuit finals in about 3-4 years. And I’ve been working on comedy for 62 years.

That’s the difference between how much harder comedy is than fighting bulls. Comedy is extremely hard. Back then, you could be a fair bullfighter and have good comedy and work every week. You could be an outstanding bullfighter, but if you weren’t good at comedy, you had trouble finding a job. Bullfighters today aren’t interested in the comedy.

They’re more interested in fighting bulls, in being athletes. These days, the barrel clown and the comedy clown provide the humor.

That’s one of the reasons I’m still in the business. Fewer people are interested in doing rodeo comedy.

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What do you love about what you do?

The friends I’ve made. I have friends around the world. I don’t use the word “fan.” They’re my friends. I love to make people laugh and I love to have friends.

One of the best ways to have friends is to have people laugh with you, or at you, it doesn’t make me any difference.

What keeps you in the arena after all these years?

The crowd. I can be so tired – traveling wears you down. But when I walk through that gate into the arena, all that goes away.

I still love working and I still love what I do. In addition to the performances, I present comedy seminars around the country. I coach young bullfighters. I miss fighting bulls a lot, but when I’m in the arena with bullfighters whom I have tutored, I fight bulls through them. If I see them do a move I’ve taught them, I get a lot of satisfaction from that.

What’s next for Lecile Harris?

When the day comes that I’m in the arena and I’m not getting the job done, I will walk out and never go back. I may go to Branson and do standup. I may continue my speaking tours. I may be available for the occasional movie. I don’t think I’ll ever get out of the entertainment business. I don’t think my wife could stand me around for that long.

See Lecile Harris perform at the Southwest District Rodeo Feb. 1-3. If you’d like to meet Harris in person, he will hold an autograph session and sign copies of his award-winning autobiography Lecile – This Ain’t My First Rodeo at Patton’s Western Wear, 3620 Ryan St., Feb. 1, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

January 2018

2018

photo by LindseyJanies.com

Mardi Gras! It’s Louisiana’s most celebrated time of year, and we want Thrive readers to enjoy the party. In this special section, we’ll give you all the information you need, from local events to the latest in Mardi Gras fashion, home décor, and gift giving. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

January 2018

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Places & Faces

Let the Good Times Roll!

SWLA Mardi Gras Events Schedule

by Victoria Hartley-Ellender

In Southwest Louisiana, people of all ages come together to celebrate Mardi Gras. Parade crowds, ballroom attendees, and festival-goers revel in high fashion and rich traditions, with events both formal and casual for everyone in the family.

“Mardi Gras is an incredible cultural event in Southwest Louisiana, bringing out some of the best music, food, celebrations and festivities that the area has to offer,” said Angie Manning, Communications Director of the Lake Charles/ Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Every year, the Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts groups and travel journalists to promote our familyfriendly Mardi Gras to audiences from around the world.”

The 2018 season will kick off on Saturday, Jan. 6, with the magical Twelfth Night event, where more than 60 krewes make their glittering promenade.

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photo by LindseyJanies.com

The season continues with various gatherings and activities throughout the month, culminating in a flurry of parades and balls that lead up to Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13.

“From the Iowa Chicken Run to the Gumbo Cookoff, the Royal Gala and street parades in communities throughout the area, it’s an enchanting time to be in Southwest Louisiana,” Manning said.

On January 16, the Krewe of Golden Years will celebrate seniors who have preserved Mardi Gras traditions at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The event is free to seniors, ages 60 and up.

Get ready for a jam-packed few weeks of fun in early February. Here are some of the area’s biggest events:

February 3 Vinton Mardi Gras Celebration, 10:00 a.m., downtown Vinton.

Sulphur’s Parade and King Cake Taste Off, 2:00 p.m., Henning Cultural Center.

February 4 Lake Charles Chicken Run, 1:00 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center.

February 8 Lighted Boat Parade, 7:00 p.m., Lakefront Promenade.

February 9 The Merchants’ Parade, 7:00 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles February 10 World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off. Judging at 11:30 a.m.

Lake Charles Civic Center.

February 11 Mardi Gras Madness 5K, 2:30 p.m., corner of Lakeshore Drive and Gill St. Children’s Day, noon - 3:00 p.m.

Lake Charles Civic Center Children’s Parade at 3:30 p.m.

February 12 The Royal Gala event, 7:00 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center. Sixty krewes, including kings, queens, royal dukes and duchesses, captains, courtesans and jesters.

Fat Tuesday Iowa’s 38th annual Chicken Run, 8:00 a.m.

The Krewe of Krewes’ Parade, 5:00 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles.

For more information, visit SWLAMardiGras.com.

The Krewe of Barkus Parade, 3:00 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles.

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January 2018

2018

NOW - February 13 Parades, dances, galas and more!

DOWNLOAD THE APP!

SPONSORED BY:

Search for “Lake Charles Events.”

January 2018

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Places & Faces

DecorMasquerade Bring Mardi Gras to life in your home or office

by Victoria Hartley-Ellender

Metallic masks, jesters, and a splash of brightly colored beads -- add a few of these items into your home’s staple décor, and anything goes this Mardi Gras.

With a dash of glitter, a few key accents will have your home or office ready to roll for the 2018 Mardi Gras season.

Lana Schaefer, co-owner of Changing Spaces in Lake Charles, said that when it comes to Mardi Gras, any color combination will work as long as you mix in some other traditional Mardi Gras elements to your décor.

“Recently, I have observed more of a move away from the traditional colors of Mardi Gras to other color combinations. Really, any color combination will work if you incorporate some masks, jesters, or other Mardi Gras traditional themes,” Schaefer said.

When it comes to decorating for Mardi Gras, folks tend to focus on the key areas of their home that are also the focal points at Christmastime -- the front door, fireplace mantle, dining table, and the occasional outdoor light display.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

January 2018

At Changing Spaces, decorators are available to help customers put together a theme for areas within their homes or offices. The store carries many items that can accentuate a Mardi Gras theme, including multiple metallic gold florals, beautiful candleholders, and sparkly sequin pillows to add a festive touch to your sofa or bedroom.

To decorate on a budget, Schaefer recommends using your Christmas décor to serve a dual purpose. “Any gold and green ribbons, ornaments and florals can easily be transformed into Mardi Gras décor simply by adding purple,” she said.

“I often shop with Mardi Gras in mind as I purchase Christmas décor. Many items can be used for both holidays.”

After Christmas, Schaefer recommends finding a few key Mardi Gras themed items to mix in with Christmas décor, pulling together a fresh, new look for the Carnivale season. “It doesn’t take much to completely reinvent the look of a room,” she said. “And, we are ready to help you in any way that we can.”

Changing Spaces is located at 2202 Ryan Street in Lake Charles.

January 2018

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Places & Faces

Ballroom Ready

Explore the latest styles and trends for the 2018 season

by Victoria Hartley-Ellender

Mardi Gras balls provide the perfect venue to glam it up -- bringing out the sparkle, sequins, and dramatic flare. This year, many ball goers are searching for creative and unique ways to go all out without spending a fortune.

“We’re finding that everyone right now is looking for inexpensive, one-time wear garments rather than the pricier options,” said Victoria Huber, owner of Rhinestone Runway.

“Customers are more price savvy than they have ever been.”

Rhinestone Runway offers a huge selection with over 7,000 dresses hanging. The store has something for everyone with sizes 0-30, and a wide variety of affordable dresses at or below the $200 price point. “We have been very intentional in our selection this year to provide the most options for ball goers,” Huber said. “People are looking to make the dollar go further, and we are fully stocked and ready to help customers find what they are looking for this Mardi Gras season.”

The 2018 Mardi Gras ball style focuses on simpler looks with coloron-color sequins and beading, Huber said. “People are very much into coloron-color this year, meaning that the beading and sequins match the color of the dress as well as the accessories.

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It’s becoming more trendy that the detail work be a bit more subtle instead of really out there and bright.”

Nevertheless, bright colors and jewel tones are still very much in vogue; only they are being paired with less contrast in the accessories of the garment.

Rhinestone Runway hosts a giant sale throughout the month of January each year to provide customers with more affordable options for Mardi Gras ballroom wear. “It is one of my favorite seasons of the year to help dress ladies for Mardi Gras,” said Huber. The store can also order from more than 70 different designers that they stock.

Rhinestone Runway is located at 3040 Ryan St in Lake Charles.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

January 2018

PARTY TIME YOUR

MARDI GRAS HEADQUARTERS!

Largest Selections in Southwest Louisiana CORNER OF LAKE & MCNEESE STREETS • LAKE CHARLES, LA

337-477-2789

BEADS • MASKS • COSTUMES • FLAGS • JEWELRY • MARDI GRAS DOLLS

STOCK UP ON SUPPLIES EARLY!

January 2018

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Places & Faces

Royal Favors

Choosing court gifts that capture the Carnivàle spirit

by Victoria Hartley-Ellender

The sights, sounds, and savory tastes of Mardi Gras tend to make a strong impression on people, both locally and around the world. Whether the season’s traditions were a childhood memory or a one-time tourist experience, people from near and far usually don’t forget Mardi Gras.

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January 2018

One of the best ways to tangibly preserve the magic of Mardi Gras for friends is by honoring the timeless tradition of offering court gifts. In Southwest Louisiana, there are several local shop owners who offer their skill and expertise to help make Mardi Gras memories that last a lifetime.

Papersmith, 3101 Ernest Street, is one such venue that offers specialty items for court gifts. The store provides personalized service, helping customers find just the right gift for each individual. “For princesses, queens, and duchesses, we recommend keepsake pieces, such as jewelry and monogrammed items,” said Sara Smith, owner of Papersmith. “Some of the most popular items every year for court gifts include fleur de lis insignia gifts, serving pieces, and guest towels.”

In recent years, Smith has observed that consumable items are becoming more popular as court gifts. “While gifts do get very elaborate, another trend is toward consumable items; a bottle of wine or champagne, cute packaged candy or coffee, note pads and stationery.”

Papersmith’s most popular brands for court gifts include Beatriz Ball serving pieces; Jon Hart personalized leather goods; Smathers & Branson belts; caps and koozies; Sugarfina and Sweet Shop candy, and custom personalized paper goods.

Navarra’s Jewelry store is another great place to find a wide variety of Mardi Gras serve ware, decorations, and jewelry -- all perfect for court gifts. The store has long been one of Southwest Louisiana’s most popular go-to places to purchase commemorative court jewelry pieces. The store’s owner, Tommy Navarra, said that engraved gifts, including silver goblets, barware, and jewelry in Mardi Gras colors, are some of the classic items people purchase to commemorate the occasion.

Give your Krewe a New View

Navarra’s Jewelry is located at 1025 Ryan Street in Lake Charles.

For more information, to schedule a tour, or to reserve a date for your event, call (337) 421-6200.

5656 Nelson Road, Lake Charles OAKCROSSING.NET

January 2018

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23

Places & Faces

BE SAFE When Catching Those Beads

by Victoria Hartley-Ellender

photo by LindseyJanies.com

Nothing puts a damper on a parade like the uneasy feeling of being unprepared in case of an emergency. Parades are all about relaxing and having a good time, but having a contingency plan in case something goes wrong can make the experience more enjoyable. Here are a few tips to help you plan ahead for a good time this year:

Arrive early

Choosing the right spot along the route is key to enjoying the parade.

If you have children with you, make sure to select a well-lit area with less traffic, and stay safely behind the barricades.

Bring a first aid kit

Having a few items on hand in case of an accident won’t hurt, and it will provide peace of mind, especially if you have children with you.

Safely carry personal items

Try to have keys, wallet and cell phone safely stored in your possession. Many folks choose to wear a fanny pack or inside zippered pockets to keep these items close at hand.

Become familiar with the area

Find out where the local police department is stationed along the parade route. Knowing where to go will make any kind of emergency situation easier to navigate.

Most importantly, plan your parade experience so you can enjoy yourself and relax with friends and family.

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Dress in layers

Temperatures can change quickly, especially during evening parades. Make sure to have enough warm layers so you won’t be uncomfortable midway through the event.

Know the rules

Many parade floats are large and extravagant. It can be difficult, especially after dark, for the parade floats to stop if someone runs out to pick up candy or trinkets. Use caution and know the rules for proper parade protocol that may vary depending on the time of day, etc.

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January 2018

Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA to Host a Lundi Gras Party Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana, with premiere sponsor Golden Nugget Lake Charles, is excited to announce a new event—the Lundi Gras Day Party! Lundi Gras parties have become a staple in the New Orleans Mardi Gras scene, and this event aims to bring the party right here to Southwest Louisiana. Bayou Rum has also partnered with BBBS-SWLA and will create a signature drink for the event.

“This event is aiming to take the day party concept -- made popular by young professionals in New Orleans -- and bring it here to Southwest Louisiana,” says BBBS-SWLA Executive Director, Erin Davison. “Everyone loves a good party in Southwest Louisiana and now we can party while raising money that goes toward mentoring programs for the children here in Southwest Louisiana.”

The event takes place on Monday, February 12, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Blue Martini in the Golden Nugget Lake Charles. The New Natives Brass Band will perform, followed by a guest DJ set by DJ TySki. The event will be cocktail attire and Mardi Gras masks are required. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA: BBBS-SWLA, a non-profit organization, has been helping children in the SWLA community for over 30 years. Big Brothers Big Sisters believes that all children should be able to achieve success in life. Its mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally-supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs help children to achieve proven positive outcomes including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships. To become a volunteer Big or for more information call 337.478.5437 or visit www.bbbs-swla.net.

BAYOU A DRESS FOR LESS New and gently used gowns for prom, homecoming and Mardi Gras for every budget.

Our friendly staff will help you find the perfect dress for any occasion.

All details and the link to purchase tickets can be found at bbbs-swla.net.

CONSIGNMENT AVAILABLE /BayouADressforLess @ BayouADressforLess

4303 COMMON ST. | LAKE CHARLES | 337-515-2302 January 2018

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25

Places & Faces

GOING FOR GOLD What to Watch for in the 2018 Olympics

by Keaghan P. Wier

The Olympics are an exciting, muchanticipated event, even if you aren’t typically a sports fan. Athletes from all over the world converge to participate in rigorous competitions and, hopefully, take home the gold medal.

In 2018, the Winter Olympics will take place in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Keep reading to discover details about the events, competitors, and more.

About the 2018 Winter Olympics The Winter Olympics are home to sports like figure skating, bobsledding, skiing, hockey, and snowboarding. In total, there are seven major sports at Pyeongchang this year. Many of these sports have variations that permit individuals or teams to participate. Whether you prefer more aggressive sports like hockey or like to watch the couples compete in ice dancing, the Winter Olympics are sure to hold your attention.

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This year, the mascot is a white tiger named Soohorang, taken from Korean folklore and mythology. The tiger is known for being a symbol of protection, trust, and strength – all things the athletes will be happy to have on their side!

Lee Suk-woo designed the medals. Their detailed style is made to mimic the appearance of tree bark. Ridged diagonal lines cross the face of the medals, along with consonants from the Korean alphabet.

The wood style is meant to symbolize the work that has gone into both Korean culture and the Games themselves.

Of the three medal places, the gold medal is the heaviest this year, weighing 586 grams.

The News: What to Watch for This Year The Olympics take place February 8 - 25, but there are several stories that have made headlines in the past few months about the competition. For example . . .

The Nigerian Bobsled Team This team of three young women has made the news because they aim to be the first-ever African representatives for the sport of bobsled, and the first

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representatives of Nigeria at the Winter Olympics. They began their training in Houston, Texas, without funds or the proper gear. When they decided to go for the Olympics, they began crowd-funding for the things they needed. Since then, they’ve captured hearts and attention with their winning attitudes and enthusiasm. (At the time of this writing, the team was in the process of qualifying to compete in Pyeongchang.)

Russia Suspended After it came to light that there was manipulation of the Olympic anti-doping rules and system by the Russian state, the International Olympic

January 2018

Committee suspended Russia from participating in the 2018 Olympic Games. Individual athletes will be allowed to participate after undergoing strict scrutiny, but they will compete under the Olympic Flag. This could cause some upsets in a few different sports where the Russians have historically won medals, such as hockey, figure skating, and others. This might leave the USA as the favorite to win some of these, depending on which Russian athletes are permitted to compete.

Security Concerns The current political unrest with North Korea has left many feeling uneasy about the security of having Olympic Games in South Korea this year.

A few countries – including France and the USA – have commented their uncertainty about sending competitors to an unsafe environment. As of the writing of this article, no nations had withdrawn for security concerns.

January 2018

New Sports There are a few new sports added to the docket at the 2018 Games. They are: • Big air snowboarding • Freestyle skiing • Mass start speed skating • Mixed doubles curling The goal of adding these new events is to attract a younger audience, make the sports appealing for television, and increase gender equality in the sports. The addition of these new events raises the total number of gold medals up for grabs to 102, the most of any Olympic Winter Games.

This year’s Olympic Games promise to be exciting! Check out more information and schedules on the official website, www.olympic.org.

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27

Places & Faces

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Builds New Facility

Expanding Children’s Healthcare Options in Louisiana

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, serving Louisiana children from the third floor of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge since 2004, broke ground for a new hospital building ten months ago. The freestanding facility is slated to open sometime late 2019. This is welcome news for parents and children not only in Baton Rouge, but all across the state of Louisiana, including Calcasieu Parish.

According to Shaun Kemmerly, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital (OLOLCH), the organization recently researched and discovered they had treated over 400 patients from the Lake Charles area, either in their hospital or in their specialty clinics. “That number attests to how we are reaching patients throughout the state,” Kemmerly says.

“A children’s hospital is more than brick and mortar. It’s developing programs that allow access to specialists for kids all over the state. We want to improve healthcare for all children in Louisiana.

We are located right off I-10 between the Essen and Bluebonnet exits, so we are really easy to get to.”

Kemmerly says Louisiana has a shortage of pediatric physicians, both specialists and general practitioners.

Along with their pediatric residency program, this new hospital will help fill in those gaps.

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The new hospital will open with 80 beds; the same as their current number of beds, but with a capability to easily open another 50 beds if warranted.

Designated a Level 2 trauma center, their 30-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) will dedicate 10 beds to neonatal intensive care. The building has also been designed to accommodate two additional floors.

The new OLOLCH is being built 100% with children in mind. They hired an architect firm that has extensive experience building children’s hospitals nationwide. Every decision in the planning and building process has been made with kids’ best interests in mind.

Patient rooms are large and include a “family zone,” with a sofa/sleeper and a chair that reclines all the way back.

The bathroom is intended for families, as well as patients. Storage space accommodates the family’s personal items. Each floor will have a play room and a “family amenities” area, with coffee pot and refrigerator, computer and fax machine, washer and dryer, “It’s truly a state of the art design for children and families,” says Kemmerly.

Parents and patients need not wait until 2019 to discover the services offered at OLOLCH. The hospital currently has specialists in every area of patient care, including strong cardiology and neurology programs.

Though building a new facility, OLOLCH

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will have access to all the resources of OLOL Regional Medical Center. They are also one of eight affiliates of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and have that expertise to add to patient care.

Many kid-focused programs exist at OLOLCH, such as an active Child Life department – the largest in the state.

Child Life Therapists make the hospital a less scary place for children. For example, they talk to children about procedures prior to or during the procedure to put a child at ease. Other fun programs include pet therapy and horticulture therapy, run by master gardeners, which allows a patient to care for a plant in their room. In a hospital situation where a child has so little control over what is happening, taking care of a plant gives them something they can feel responsible for.

Lori McBride, M.D., pediatric neurosurgeon, recently joined the team at OLOLCH, in part due to the building of the new facility. She says, “It’s been neat to see this group of people who all have a common goal in mind and are working hard to do it right. It’s a unique opportunity, to see it being built from the ground up.”

For information on Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and their services, go to www.ololchildrens.org. For information on the new facility and to see their progress, go to letsbuildamazing.com.

January 2018

BY THE NUMBERS

Children’s Health Services:

70

More than

Treats more than

100,000 patients each year

10

Team of

New Freestanding Hospital Stats:

specialists in over 20 subspecialties

5

satellite clinics spanning south Louisiana

66-acre

campus adjacent to I-10 in Baton Rouge

More than

6 floors

square feet of patient care space

the amount of current surgical space and intensive care beds

80 beds at opening

350,000 Double

child life specialists, the largest in the state Attached

95,000

square foot medical office building

5000 Hennessy Blvd. | Baton Rouge, LA 70808-4398 | 225-765-6565

January 2018

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29

Places & Faces

Movers and Shakers in Southwest Louisiana...

Who’s News? You tell us! Send press releases to edit@thriveswla.com with the subject line “Who’s News.”

Babineaux recently returned to Lake Charles after working in the Houston area for 30 years as a software engineer and IT project manager at Johnson Space Center. She continues as a technical consultant for NASA contractors.

Hanks is a senior account manager for First Federal Insurance Services, LLC, and has worked in the insurance industry for 35 years.

Russell Benoit

Adam Edgar

Two Receive Employee of the Month Honors from WCCH West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) recently recognized its October and November employees of the month for 2017: Russell Benoit, environmental services director, and Adam Edgar, radiologic technologist.

Corbello Joins Terrell & Associates’ Team Terrell & Associates, LLC announced Stacey Dion Corbello has joined their financial advisory team.

Stacey has been in the financial service industry for over 20 Stacey Corbello years, and she most recently was a financial advisor with JD Bank. She is Series 7 and Series 63 registered.

For more information, call (337) 474-4025.

Edmiston Hired as Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Director For the Lake Charles/SWLA CVB Kyle R. Edmiston has been named as the Chief Operating Officer/ Deputy Director for the Kyle Edmiston Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (LC/SWLA CVB), working under the direction of Shelley Johnson, executive director/CEO of the bureau.

The Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Director is a new position at the LC/SWLA CVB. He will assist the Executive Director/CEO in initiating and coordinating the worldwide marketing of Calcasieu Parish and its facilities as a desirable destination for leisure travel, group tours, conventions, conferences, meetings and sports events. Edmiston will provide leadership in managing operations and implementing policies and procedures.

For more information on the Lake Charles area, visit www.visitlakecharles.org.

Simon Awarded Up & Coming Business Woman

Julia Babineaux

Ricky Hanks

Babineaux, Hanks elected as officers for Autism Services of SWLA Julia Babineaux was elected president of the board of directors of Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana and Direct Care Inc at the board’s November meeting. Ricky Hanks was elected vice president. Geri Christ Landry previously served as president and Fred Nodier was vice president.

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Erika Simon, Vice President of Family and Youth Counseling Agency, was chosen at the 2017 Up & Coming Business Woman by the Woman’s Business Erika Simon Network and the Chamber Southwest Louisiana.

An “Up & Coming Business Woman” takes her industry and the community by storm. They are active on scene volunteering, participating in industry events, and lending their voice to the change that is happening in our region.

Dr. Cody Tingle Joins Imperial Health Internal Medicine Physician – Hospitalist Cody Tingle, MD, internal medicine physician hospitalist, is the newest member of the Imperial Health medical staff.

Dr. Cody Tingle Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Tingle has practiced as a Hospitalist for CHRISTUS Health at their Louisiana hospitals in Lake Charles, Shreveport and Alexandria for over two years.

Dr. Tingle is board certified in Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Physicians and American College of Gastroenterolgy. In his new position with Imperial Health, Dr. Tingle will take care of patients in area hospitals and coordinate inpatient care.

Dr. Carl Fastabend Serves as Program Director at Deep Venous Summit Carl Fastabend, MD, FACC, founder and medical director of the Vein Center of Southwest Louisiana, served as a program Dr. Carl Fastabend director and instructor at a recent Deep Venous Summit in Boston, Massachusetts. The advanced course was hosted

by Philips Volcano Academy and was attended by cardiovascular and venous specialists from across the country. The objectives of the course were to provide an understanding on the evaluation and management of chronic venous obstruction, including the use of IVUS (intervascular ultrasound) during diagnostic and venous interventions. Dr. Fastabend is considered a leading expert in this modality, and is a regular speaker at training sessions around the country for physicians interested in learning about vein disease and treatment advances. Dr. Fastabend is the only full-time, comprehensive vein specialist in Louisiana.

For more information, visit www.fyca.org.

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January 2018

200

The

Healthy Choice for

Your Career:

Over local healthcare jobs are available in a variety of fields right now. Learn more about a career in the healthcare field, and the training required, on our website.

A collaborative effort of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance and five regional healthcare facilities.

healthworxswla.com

We Joined the Migration to The way banking should be.

Lakeside proudly welcomes Kala and Tom to our Management Team.

Kala Kuhlthau, Vice President and Sulphur Branch Manager, and Tom Fuller, Vice President and Oak Park Branch Manager, are both lifelong residents of Southwest Louisiana. They come to Lakeside from Capital One Bank.

Kala has over 35 years of experience in the banking industry, including consumer lending, personal banking and internal auditing. Most recently, Kala was the Branch Manager and Vice President of Capital One Bank in Sulphur.

several local banks, and his experience includes sales, business banking and management. At Capital One, he worked as a Branch Manager and Business Banker.

The addition of Kala and Tom, with their extensive backgrounds in consumer and commercial banking, demonstrates Lakeside’s commitment to providing the region’s strongest local banking services.

Call Kala or Tom to learn about our great deposit and CD rates, and our FREE checking.

Tom has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry. He worked in management positions with

LakesideBanking.com January 2018

Kala Kuhlthau,

VP/Sulphur Branch Manager Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Thomas Fuller,

VP/Oak Park Branch Manager www.thriveswla.com

31

Home & Family

LIFE TRENDS

2018 WHAT TO EXPECT

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January 2018

We know you want 2018 to be the best year yet in every area of your life.

This month’s cover story is dedicated to bringing you, our readers, up to speed on a few life trends. We give you the latest news on fitness, food, fashion, and home design.

Read on!

SPECIAL GRAND OPENING OFFER For an opening special offer of $50 off per room, per night, ask for our “OPEN” rate.

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January 2018

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33

Home & Family | Life Trends

HEALTH & FITNESS

TRENDS

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Every year, new exercise and fitness concepts are introduced as “the best ways” to be healthy.

Some ideas are useful and backed by scientific research. Others may be gimmicks and passing fads. Here’s a rundown of 2018’s new and continuing health and fitness trends.

C

heyanne Glyenn, Fitness Manager at CHRISTUS Louisiana Athletic Club, Lake Charles, feels the fitness industry will see more Small Group Personal Training in 2018. “For beginners who may be a little intimidated by fitness, this is a great opportunity to get them involved in fitness because they will still have one-on-one time with a personal trainer, and in the smaller class setting they could invite a friend to join the class with them,” says Glyenn. “For the advanced fitness person, sometimes working out with others encourages them to be more competitive and provides the challenge they need to kick their fitness game into a new gear.”

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) typically involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by brief periods of rest or recovery and typically takes 30 minutes or less to perform. Despite the warnings by some fitness professionals of potentially increased injury rates using HIIT, this form of exercise has been popular in gyms worldwide.

If HIIT isn’t for you, welcome back Low Intensity Interval Training (LIIT.) LIIT training still burns the same calories as a solid HIIT session, but will take an extra 30-40 minutes to complete, and can be as easy as taking a brisk walk. While you’ll still get more benefit from intervals, the intensity isn’t as brutal as a HIIT session People have been using Body Weight Exercises for centuries as a form of resistance training. But new packaging, particularly by commercial clubs, has now made it popular in all kinds of gyms and health clubs. Typical body weight training programs use minimal equipment, which makes it a very inexpensive way to exercise effectively. Although most people think of body weight training as being limited to push-ups and pull-ups, it also includes planks, jumping, lunges, squats, and more.

Wearable technology continues to innovate the market. At this point, we’re on board with fitness and activity trackers. Now watch for smart glasses, which deliver all your activity metrics directly to your eye, and clothing with smart fabrics and interactive textiles.

Look for educated, certified, and experienced fitness professionals. As the market for fitness professionals becomes more competitive, interest in some degree of regulation seems to be expanding.

More schools are adding personal fitness training and kinesiology to their list of degree programs. A push for licensure on a state level is growing and may be on the horizon. CHRISTUS Louisiana Athletic Club requires degreed or certified personal trainers.

Glyenn says all their personal trainers have either a four year degree in Health and Exercise Science or a certification through ACSM, ACE, NASM, and

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January 2018

Slam, strengthen, and sweat your way to fitness with a heavy power rope workout.

NSCA, which are all accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Core training continues to trend, and CHRISTUS is keeping up-to-date. They plan to offer a new class this year called Bbarreless, designed to challenge your core. Also known as “booty barre,” this class combines yoga, pilates, and ballet.

Foam flexibility and mobility rollers are specifically designed to massage, relieve muscle tightness, alleviate muscle spasms, improve circulation, and ease muscular discomfort. Rollers have been designed for the low back, hips, and for larger muscle groups such as the hamstrings and the gluteal muscles.

As baby boomers continue to enter their retirement years, fitness experts design programs for older adults specifically to meet their needs. Senior classes at CHRISTUS are geared to the 50+ age range. Glyenn says 35-40 members participate in these daily senior classes.

Other new exercise trends include sport-specific training, booty yoga, and functional fitness, which are programs designed to complement daily living.

Join us at Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School for the

Join us at Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School for the

2017-2018 PREVIEW NIGHT 2018-2019 PARENT PREVIEW NIGHT Tuesday, January Tuesday, January30th 31st

PreK PreK 2, 2, PreK PreK 3 3& & Grades Grades 1-5 6-8 at at 5:30pm 5:30pm PreK 4, Kindergarten & Grades 6-8 at 6:30pm PreK 4, Kindergarten & Grades 1-5 at 6:30pm Please upcomingschool schoolyear. year.

Pleasejoin jointhe the session session of of your your interest interest for for the the upcoming

The purpose of the evening is for parents to preview their child’s upcoming grade level, meet our teachers, visit our classrooms and preview next year’s curriculum. Come and find out why we are “so much more than a school.”

The purpose of the evening is for parents to preview their child’s upcoming grade level, This night is reserved for parents only. meet our teachers, visit our classrooms and preview next year’s curriculum.

Come and find outCharles, why we are “so much more than a school”.

803 North Division Street | Lake LA 70601 | episcopaldayschool.org This night is reserved for parents only.

January 2018

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35

Home & Family | Life Trends

FASHION FORECAST

2018

by Emily Alford

Though it seems like the Christmas decorations just went back into the attic, soon stores will be stocked with spring fashions. And while it can be exhausting to try to keep up with trends that change season to season, pairing a few trendy pieces with trusty wardrobe staples can be a new way to keep basics up-to-date. If you’re looking to brighten up a bit as the winter wears itself out, here are a few of the hottest trends from the spring 2018 runways.

Fun with fringe!

If fringe has you cringing, remembering bad 70s suede, rest assured that this year’s fringe is much lighter and brighter than what you may have been used to in the Midnight Cowboy era. For spring, designers were all about adding fringe in unexpected places to give skirts some flounce and dresses some swing. The new fringe is more flapper than flower power.

Lots of Lavender Pantone recently named Ultra Violet, a rich, true purple, its color of the year.

However, on the runways, lavender ruled for spring. Whether updating your look with a simple lavender shift dress or going for full-on color blocked suiting, if you’re looking to add one new color to your wardrobe this spring, make it this pale, yet polished shade.

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January 2018

Pretty plaid Plaid generally calls to mind frumpy professors partially hidden behind stacks of books or trying to make tee time at the local golf course, but this spring’s plaid is actually very feminine and flirty. Some of the spring’s best looks included ankle length, relaxed-fit plaid slacks paired with tailored white button down tops, plaid blazers over fun graphic tees, and even 90’s inspired, plaid button-down maxidresses. Spring plaids also showcased softer colors, like yellow and pink, so there’s no need worry about looking like Christmas part two!

The past few years in fashion have been all about nostalgia, from 90s-inspired chokers and grunge looks to 70s floral and bell bottoms. What’s most interesting about this spring is that the decades theme seems to have gone out the window, and most designers seem to be embracing individuality. So if none of these trends work for you, no worries, because 2018’s hottest look is being yourself!

Cold shoulder Many of this spring’s loveliest dresses were all about showcasing shoulders. The “cold shoulder,” or shoulder cutout, trend has been hot for sweaters for at least a year, but this year, designers seemed to have wised up and realized that most women want to put their shoulders away in winter and show them off on those first warm days of spring. This spring’s cold shoulder dresses also featured dreamy silhouettes and lightweight fabrics.

They’re the perfect go-to dress for spring and summer weddings, and will look just as cool with a moto jacket in March as they will with a pair of strappy sandals in June.

January 2018

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Home & Family | Life Trends

FOOD TRENDS

2018

by John O’Donnell

Gut friendly foods

Long a staple at farmers markets and your grandmother’s kitchen, fermented, pickled and preserved foods are reaching deeper into mainstream food culture. In 2018, good-for-yourgut probiotics are set to play a larger role in what consumers order, with foods like kimchi, miso and kefir turning up as hot menu items. Grocery store shoppers will bring home kombucha, yogurt and a variety of different pickles as a way to sooth and strengthen their tummies.

In 2017, the world saw an explosion of coconut in cuisine, lived through a widespread “tacofever,” and rejoiced in renewed interest in Indo-Pac foods. So, what will be trending in 2018? Let’s take a look at what restaurants, grocers, and chefs are hailing as the next big things for the New Year.

Food Tech for The Home Chef

After purchasing Whole Foods, Amazon will now work to expand an already popular trend by competing with smaller operations that deliver fresh ingredients and recipe kits to families and homes. To compliment this trend, there will be more integration of voice-operated gadgets like Alexa and Google Home into the kitchen. Soon you’ll be able to order groceries through Alexa, and ask Siri how many eggs you have left in your fridge.

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January 2018

Shell-less Tacos

The Taco Craze of 2017 had us all eating tacos for breakfast, and even dessert, and that trend is unlikely to budge much in 2018. Traditionally, a taco is something inside a shell made of a crispy tortilla, or a soft flour or corn tortilla; but 2018 will redefine what it means to be a taco by making tacos with shells of fried cheese, egg, and even coconut.

Engineered Plant-Based Foods

As more people incorporate more plants into their diets, the industries in Silicon Valley are working on ways to bring meatless products to consumers. This year, we will see more vegetarian foods that look, taste, smell and even bleed like meat. The innovations don’t stop with foods mimicking land-based animals; expect to also see fruits and vegetables made to taste like sushi, and the scientific manipulation of nuts to make creamy desserts.

While these micro-trends aren’t necessarily ground breaking, they do signal a shift in dietary trends on a large scale. Millennials are using their purchasing power and influence in the kitchen to shift what we’re craving and eating on a macro scale. And that’s a trend you’ll continue to see on into 2019.

Floral Flavors

From beautiful garnishes to infused cocktails, teas and seasonings, expect to see growth in the trend of edible flowers. Lavender, elderflower, hibiscus and rose flavors will be among some of the most popular botanically inspired dishes and drinks to hit restaurants, bars and store shelves.

Puffed and Popped

A new way of processing and combining ingredients called “extrusion” leads the way to puffed, popped and dried snacks. Rice chips, puffy vegetable crisps, and crispy crunchy chocolate are all destined to be a big hit in your pantry, office drawers, and in kids’ lunches.

January 2018

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Home & Family | Life Trends

7

Home Design Trends

for 2018

by Sylvia Ney

While many home design companies often argue in favor of one style over the others, there are several trends they all seem to agree will take center stage in 2018. Reasonably frugal, functional, and comfortable are the keys for design trends this year. Concentration on families, success, and creating welcoming spaces will improve the quality of life in your home. Whether you’re designing a new home or looking to update your current house, here are seven home design trends to watch for in 2018.

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Focus on Family

Rooms are no longer designed to simply look beautiful.

They need to be practical, as well. More sophisticated pieces are being replaced with classic items perfect for family use. Instead of high-end components, meaningful articles that bring a sense of calm and comfort take precedent. More homeowners today are living with extended family members, so new homes are being built with accommodations for multiple generations. Whether it’s larger homes that include a basement living area complete with a second kitchen, or an added main-floor bedroom to accommodate additional people, larger families are again living under one roof. More children are remaining home past college graduation and senior citizens are choosing to age in place. Either situation can mean coming up with practical solutions to everyday problems, for example, wider doorways and hallways to accommodate a wheelchair or scooter. Pocket doors are also popular as they take up less room than a swinging door and may be easier for some to operate.

Neutral Palette

Classic neutrals are again reigning supreme. A more sophisticated version might be to decorate in tones of black, white, and gray. White brightens up even the darkest rooms and works with nearly every style.

White-washed woods and concrete are popular materials in this vein. A warmer version of neutral designs rely on browns and greens. Earthy colors serve to enhance the warm and cozy feel. Light brown colors of natural wood are modern and appealing, perfect for small spaces. Dark wood brings delicious chocolate brown hues into interiors, providing a touch of luxury to room decorating. Cork is being used in floors, cabinet doors, and walls.

Natural Elements

Rustic rooms will replace modern. Whether it’s an old claw-foot tub, a shiplap wall, or a couple of wellplaced accents, there are many ways to move beyond the sleek, modern designs seen in the last few years.

Fresh, natural materials perfectly complement 2018’s obsession with organic home integration. Concrete, wood, cork, shells, lava rock, and even bone have been steadily gaining popularity.

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January 2018

Pop of Florals

Floral prints have always been popular, but expect to see more floral designs with contrasting colors this year. Traditional floral patterns are making a comeback, and with their comfortable familiarity, eye-catching detail, and vintage vibes they fit right in with 2018’s nod to nostalgia. Designers say to keep an eye out for new takes on old prints with funky colors and exaggerated proportions. This appreciation for Japanese and Scandinavian styles calls for the neutral palette previously mentioned, but with a light touch of color. Small floral accents in vivid hues and quiet color schemes create interiors which feel comfortable, spacious, energetic, and luxurious.

Vintage

The culture of conservation, recycling, and repurposing continues to gain in popularity. Vintage is a trendy decorating choice. Try using an old end table as a child’s LEGO stand, or turn a wheelbarrow into a chair. Recycling projects and a bit of creativity can craft attractive, unique furnishings and art.

Go Green

This year, bring more nature indoors. Plants are an easy way to design on a budget and add pops of color to any space.

Put plants in colorful containers or hang them in front of a large window.

Get Metal

Copper, bronze, and brass are stylish and add warmth and chic to interior decorating.

These metals bring some pizzazz to an otherwise dull room. Lighting fixtures, like aged copper pendant lights are making a comeback.

Metal furniture creates a beautiful look when added to wood and soft upholstery fabrics, adding shiny luxury and durability to fashionable home furnishings.

Pre-K4 – 8th Grade Excellent Student/Teacher Ratio

“Nurturing All Children and Achieving Academic Success in the Spirit of Christ”

Open House

Tuesday, January 30 6pm

&

Diverse Student Body Morning, Noon, Afternoon Prayer & Weekly Liturgy Special Education Services

Wednesday, January 31 10am - 12pm

2510 Enterprise Boulevard | Lake Charles, La. 70601 | (337) 436-7959 | stmcs.com January 2018

Participant in Education in Virtues Program

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St. Margaret Catholic School welcomes all children regardless of race, creed, or nationality.

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41

Home & Family

Project-Based Learning at ICCS

by Lauren Atterbery Cesar

ICCS positively changes our community one classroom project at a time, creating learners who will be ready for the real word.

Education is the profession that makes all other professions possible, and at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School (ICCS), bringing project-based learning to the classroom brings students closer to understanding the requirements of professions they may be interested in within our own community. Project-based learning is a teaching method where students gain knowledge and skills by cooperatively and collaboratively working over a period of time to investigate and answer authentic, engaging, and complex questions or solve challenging problems.

At ICCS, students in all grades have opportunities to make decisions on what they want to learn, how they want to research to solve a problem, and which community experts are needed to enhance their understanding and learning experience.

They begin to realize that assignments are not easily finished and require critique and revision, making the learning authentic because that is the process that happens in any profession. Assistant Principal Blair Tadlock says, “This is where incredibly deep learning happens. We have found that our students in this model have much higher expectations of themselves than we would realize in a traditional classroom setting using this method.”

All of the teachers at ICCS are trained in Buck Institute for Education Gold Standard Project-Based Learning, and evidence of this can be seen in any classroom, from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. A sixth grade Spanish class taught by Señora Alicia Manthey has been working on a project designed to answer the driving question: How can we use Spanish communication

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skills to develop a taco truck business?

Students collaborated to create a mock-up taco truck, develop a menu, and experienced ordering in Spanish and seeing a taco truck business in action with Señor Mel of Taco Mel. They published their projects via the ICCS Facebook page, and were able to gain real world business experience applied in the classroom setting.

Second graders have learned about cartography through project-based learning, and music classes have learned how composers create and record music, bringing in local musician Chris Shearman. “When students are creating a public product, they are more likely to be invested in the work,” says Aimee Romano, ICCS fourth and fifth grade English Language Arts teacher. “I have noticed that since their essays and artwork are now posted on the class website, they care so much more about making sure their work is high quality. They don’t even mind making corrections to their final drafts.”

Eli Crawford, an eighth grade student explains, “I liked that we got to solve a problem and make an improvement to our school. I also learned about having a fixed mindset and a growing mindset.” Fifthgrader John Filo says, “I liked how we got to compose or remix our own song. I learned that it may take a while to compose or remix a song, but it is totally worth it.” Students who created songs will be selling them to the school and community soon, giving even more value to the idea and practice of project-based learning. Cole Pierson, an eighth grade student, sums up the heart of project-based learning perfectly. “I learned that my team can change our school community with an idea.”

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January 2018

Mentor ing

and Juvenile Crime Reduction Local law enforcement statistics show a slow but steady increase in crimes committed by juveniles over the past year – not only petty crimes, but armed robbery and murder. City police filed 802 criminal charges against youth in the first seven months of 2017 compared to 648 over that same period in 2016; a nearly 25 percent increase. Mayor Nic Hunter feels it is imperative that the city develop a juvenile crime reduction initiative that would allow the community to be proactive in decreasing these numbers. “Even if our police force solves a crime, someone has been hurt,” says Kimberly Dellafosse, Assistant City Administrator for the City of Lake Charles. “We want to be as proactive as possible, and not simply reactive.”

Hunter and his team began last summer by identifying strategies proven to reduce juvenile delinquency and improve outcomes for young people who might otherwise be at risk. After researching, they discovered that mentoring is one of the best ways to accomplish these goals. Since then, they have been diligent in their efforts to implement programs that address our youth, as well as initiatives to increase the number of volunteer mentors in the city.

Dellafosse says our Recreation and Parks Department started a program called Teen Connections, which offers free bi-monthly seminars on a variety of skills that can help young people; for example, ACT prep, resume writing, interview skills, brand building on social media, and more. “Those types of courses help enrich the lives of young people and help them to make better choices, which make for a better city.”

January 2018

The Teen Connection program started late October of last year. In the short time since then, Dellafosse says around 50 youth have benefited. The city offers this program on the first and third Thursday of each month, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Columbus Circle Rec Center in Greenwich Village and the Goosport facility (now called the Donald Ray Stevens Rec Center.)

More locations will be added as needed. The program is open to middle and high school youth in Southwest Louisiana.

“Any teenager is welcome,” says Dellasfosse. “Volunteer speakers at the events include local educators, business owners, youth leaders, and others who have a commitment to helping our young people.”

The team will continue to collaborate with the District Attorney’s office to further determine what kind of programming they can create to serve the area and address the needs of our young people.

“All of these efforts through the juvenile crime reduction initiative have been steps to be proactive and try to deter kids from making bad decisions, providing them with outlets that teach them something, offering them options, and improving our community,” says Dellafosse.

“As we move forward, we’ll be rolling out new programs, and the District Attorney’s office is also rolling out its new initiative called “Positive Change.” But at this time, we really want to focus on increasing the number of mentors and providing programming for our young people that enriches their lives.”

Beginning this month, the city will bring together a roundtable of area mentoring experts from various organizations to identify ways

by Angie Kay Dilmore

to increase the number of mentors in the city. There are currently numerous ways interested persons can volunteer to make a positive impact in the lives of at-risk youth – Big Brothers Big Sisters, Family and Youth Counseling Agency, the Community Foundation’s Workforce Scholarship Program, civic and social groups, and various area churches.

Dellafosse reminds us that we, as a city, need to be a city that loves our children. “Children are our future. We love them by preparing them and providing them with opportunities to be their best.”

January is National Mentoring Month. Would you be willing to make a difference in the life of a young person?

Benefits of having a mentor: • Increased high school graduation rates • Lower high school dropout rates • Healthier relationships and lifestyle choices • Better attitude about school • Higher college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations • Enhanced self-esteem and selfconfidence • Improved behavior, both at home and at school • Stronger relationships with parents, teachers, and peers • Improved interpersonal skills • Decreased likelihood of initiating drug and alcohol use Benefits to the mentor: • Increased self-esteem • A sense of accomplishment • Creation of networks of volunteers • Insight into childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood • Increased patience and improved supervisory skills

Immaculate Conception Cathedral School

Minds Inspiring...

Rich in values and tradition, ICCS has provided excellence in Catholic education for more than 100 years.

Pre-K & Kindergarten Open House January 10 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Catholic Schools Week Open House Open to all grades Pre-K - 8 January 31 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

ENROLLING SOON!

For more information or to schedule a school tour, contact Kay Morgan at kmorgan@iccschool.org

w w w.iccschool.org 1536 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 433-3497

Strengthening Spirits... Minds... Bodies...

Through the Teachings of Jesus Christ The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Lake Charles do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin.

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43

Home & Family

Lola Grichendler, of Lake Charles, was awarded the first health systems management degree by McNeese State University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions at Fall 2017 commencement. Grichendler, center, receives congratulations from Dr. Peggy Wolfe, left, dean of McNeese State University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, and Dr. Amy Bufford, director of the health systems management program.

McNeese State University Awards its First

Health Systems Management Degree

Last month, as family members watched, Lola Grichendler, of Lake Charles, was awarded the first health systems management degree by McNeese State University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Grichendler knew as a child in Paris, France, that she wanted a career in healthcare but she wasn’t quite sure which field. After high school graduation, she returned to Lake Charles where her family roots ran deep -- her mother and stepfather are Anna and Mark DiGiglia, her grandfather is former state senator and representative Bob Jones, her great grandfather was Gov. Sam H. Jones and her step grandfather was cardiovascular surgeon Dr. John W. DiGiglia, who worked at St. Patrick’s Hospital back in the early 1970s.

Lola enrolled as a nursing major at McNeese in the fall of 2013. “I knew that McNeese had a great nursing program and my family encouraged my dream,” said Grichendler. But after a couple of semesters, she knew that nursing was not the “right fit” for her.

“I went to talk to one of my professors, Dr. Amy Bufford, about my options and she told me about a new degree program that would begin in the fall of 2015 -- health systems management -- that would be a perfect fit for me and my interest in health care,” she said.

According to Bufford, director of the HSM program, health systems management addresses the growing demand for health care administrators and consultants.

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“With an eye toward the continuously evolving field of health care, McNeese is preparing students for careers beyond those involved with direct care,” says Bufford. “Health systems management professionals are prepared to understand current and future health care trends and issues, to develop, communicate and manage resources and solutions to challenges for health care systems, and to improve overall quality and outcomes of health care systems and services.”

McNeese offers students a Bachelor of Science degree in one of three academic concentrations—health care management, health care quality improvement, and care coordination.

The degree plan allows students to complete program requirements in three years, but with hard work and dedication after changing her major, Grichendler finished her bachelor’s degree in two years, including an internship last fall at the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine of New York City, one of the nation’s leading fertility clinics.

“My twin sister, Eva, and I were conceived through in-vitro fertilization, as well as my younger sister, Mia, which is why I am so passionate about the fertility field and its advancements,” said Grichendler.

“Eva works in the fashion industry in New York City, so I applied and received this internship. I was able to live with her.”

Lola worked as a case coordinator for patients, walking them through the

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maze of laboratory tests and ultrasounds from start to finish. “I was able to observe the patient flow, cut the flow from 45 minutes to 15 minutes in most instances and provide statistics to the physicians that showed how to better manage the center’s resources and time. This internship allowed me to connect my classroom knowledge with hands-on experience that will make me more marketable to future employers,” said Grichendler.

The HSM program, designed in collaboration with Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, continues to be one of the fastest growing programs at McNeese. The combined number from both campuses is currently 160 students, according to Bufford. The program attracts students from a variety of backgrounds, but she said they all share a common interest in the areas where business and medicine intersect.

“This program is a good fit for individuals like Lola who start out in nursing, radiology, respiratory therapy, or medical technology but suddenly decide that these careers are not for them, but they want to stay in the healthcare field. This degree offers these individuals an alternative with much of their coursework transferring into the HSM program.”

Grichendler said she is appreciative of the professors in the McNeese College of Nursing and Health Professions who worked with her “to make her childhood dream of an exciting career in health care a reality.”

January 2018

and learning. The McNeese mace is carried in the procession of administrators, deans, faculty and graduates at commencement ceremonies each May and December.

McNeese BRIDGES Program Now Offered Year Round

Dr. Henderson & Dr. Burckel

Dr. Daryl Burckel Investiture photo from McNeese 2017 Fall Commencement

McNeese State University President Dr. Daryl V. Burckel was officially installed as the seventh president of the university by Dr. James B. Henderson, president and CEO of the University of Louisiana System during the 149th commencement exercises held in Burton Coliseum. During the investiture ceremony, Burckel was presented with a traditional symbol of the trust and authority being placed in him – the chain and the medallion. The moment when the chain and medallion are conferred is the investiture. Burckel is also holding the academic mace that has for hundreds of years represented the peaceful leadership of universities in their charge to advance the principles of knowledge

The McNeese State University Autism Program now offers its BRIDGES program year round.

Enrollment is open for ages 13 and up for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum.

BRIDGES - Building Respect and Independence by Directing, Guiding and Encouraging Socialization – was introduced last summer on campus to “bridge a gap” between the increasing need for services for youth ages 14-18.

BRIDGES consists of focused skills for independence that will help support employment and social success for adolescents and young adults. Insurance and private pay options are available.

To enroll or for more information about this program, call (337)562-4246.

McNeese Named a 2018 Military Friendly School

McNeese State University has been designated a 2018 Military Friendly School for the third consecutive year by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds and publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM Jobs and Military Spouse.

Victory Media provides service members and their families with data-driven sources about post-military education and career opportunities. The Military Friendly School list is based on research using public data sources for over 8,000 post-secondary schools as well as proprietary data from surveys and personal data from surveys of veterans themselves.

As a military and veteran friendly campus, McNeese offers a number of programs and services including a veterans affairs office, priority class scheduling, special orientation programs, a deployment/ readmission policy and workshops tailored to address career opportunities, interviewing skills, resume writing and networking.

McNeese has an office in the Fort Polk Education Center that is staffed daily from 8am-4:30pm and McNeese offers on-site credit courses leading to baccalaureate and master’s degrees for active duty soldiers and dependents in special eight-week terms.

For more information, call (337) 537-1430.

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS! Contact Katie@thriveswla.com for more information on sponsoring McNeese’s news page.

January 2018

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45

Style & Beauty Simplify Your Life with a

Capsule Wardrobe

by Emily Alford

Traditionally, the fashion world has espoused the idea that “more is more,” but lately, simplifying wardrobes down to just a few sturdy basics has become fashion’s hottest trend. Called “capsule” wardrobes, the idea is to whittle closets down from unwieldy quantities of barelyworn, fast-fashion pieces, which are often of questionable quality, to a set number of classic, wellmade items that coordinate with the season. For example, some fashion sites recommend having 12 wardrobe staples for spring, 12 more for summer, etc. However, creating a timeless capsule wardrobe isn’t really about hitting some arbitrary number. It’s about having a wardrobe where all of the pieces work together, creating multiple outfits with just a few key items of clothing. Here are a few things you’ll need (or may already have!) to get started.

Outerwear A versatile capsule wardrobe starts with a few key pieces of outerwear. It’s smart to invest in a durable coat in a basic color—black, tan, or navy—with sturdy lining.

You’ll get your money’s worth on those few frosty days each year, and a quality coat can last a long time. Additionally, pick a nicely tailored blazer in a neutral color that will work all year round: something perfect for a job interview or big meeting. Denim jackets and classic leather moto jackets never go out of style; plus they work just as well for those first crisp days of fall as they do for early spring freezes

Tops In creating simple capsule wardrobes, some fashion bloggers have gone as far as to do away with all but five or six tops. While you don’t have to do anything that drastic, there are a few tops that work with all of the above outerwear. A white button-down is a style essential for a look that’s effortless, yet professional. For a perfect fit, make sure it doesn’t pull at the back or gap at the buttons. In addition to a sturdy work staple, pick a fun graphic tee that looks just as cool with a moto jacket as it does dressed up with a blazer. Finally, a simple white tee with a flattering neckline that looks just as great dressed up with a chunky necklace as it does dressed down with a pair of jeans is a go-to choice for any capsule wardrobe. Bonus: find a cozy cardigan that makes you feel comfy in a chilly office all year round.

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January 2018

MEDICALLY SUPERVISED WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM Weight loss and maintenance through education, diet, and support using the Ideal Protein weight loss method.

Educational seminars every Tuesday at 5:45.

No diet pills, surgeries, or gimmicks.

Call (337) 526-7376 to register.

breauxmedicalweightloss.com

Bottoms Believe it or not, most fashion experts agree that most of us only need two pairs of pants. A pair of black pants that sit at the natural waist with an ankle hem can last years and look just as sharp with a blazer and button down as they do with a graphic tee and a denim jacket. And, of course, a great pair of jeans is a wardrobe musthave for casual Friday and weekend leisure time. Look for a pair with pockets that sit right in the center of your butt and a waistband that doesn’t start to sag after a few hours.

Straight-legged denim never goes out of style and tends to be more forgiving than the “skinny” styles that have been popular the past few years.

Most of our closets are brimming with freebie giveaway tee shirts and sale rack items that never seem to make it into our daily outfit rotations. In the New Year, it might be worth asking ourselves, do we really need all this stuff?

January 2018

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47

Style

& Beauty

Blush, Bronzer, Contour, & Highlight:

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

by Emily Alford

Blame it on the Kardashians or the increasing popularity of cosmetic fillers, but the past few years have been all about cheeks. And as the cosmetics counter becomes almost overwhelmed with products meant to sculpt, color, and highlight cheekbones, it can be difficult to know what goes where. Here’s a guide to not only picking the right product for your cheeks, but for finding colors to complement your skin tone.

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January 2018

BLUSH

Blush has come a long way since those little strips of pink powder accompanied by a miniature fan brush were all the rage. These days, blush comes in a much wider range of colors, from dusty browns to vibrant, wine-hued purples. But the idea behind blush remains the same: it should add a colorful flush to cheeks. To avoid looking as if you’ve caught a fever, it’s important to find a blush that doesn’t overpower your skin. If you burn easily and generally need a lot of sunscreen, go with pink or peach blush in very sheer applications to avoid looking overwhelmed by color. Medium skin tones, which generally burn, then tan, can go for apricot, mauve, or berry shades. Darker skin that rarely burns can pull off deeper colors, such as sultry raisin or even fiery tangerine

hues. To find your most natural shade of blush, try to match the color of your lips without lipstick, but play around with other colors too. The point is feeling great, so experiment until you find a shade that makes you feel like a million bucks.

CONTOUR

Cheek contouring means applying a flesh tone one or two shades darker than your skin color to the hollows just below your cheeks in order to make them appear higher.

Contour colors are matte and sold in powder, cream, and liquid form. To contour, suck in your cheeks and apply the darker product into the sunken parts of your cheeks, then blend back toward your hairline until no clear line is visible. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for a runway-ready look.

BRONZER

Bronzer exists to give that just-back-from-the-beach look year-round. Think about all the places children get freckles in the summer: across the highest parts of their cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and right across the top of the forehead, just below the hairline. All of those spots are great places to apply bronzer, which can be used with blush, for a sun-kissed look no matter the season. To pick the right shade of bronzer, go for the color that most resembles the way you look when you’re lightly tanned and then go darker in the summer to enhance an actual tan.

HIGHLIGHTER

There’s a reason professional photographers work so hard to get the right light. Soft illumination at the tops of the cheeks and around the temples makes everyone look younger, well-rested, and healthy. That’s the idea behind highlighter, which is softly iridescent (think glowy, not glittery) and comes in liquid and powder forms. To use highlighter, apply all your other cheek products and then softly pat a bit at the very tops of cheekbones, blending up toward the temple. You can also apply a little at the exact center of the forehead and down the bridge of the nose to get a radiant, lit from within, look.

Of course, all of these products in conjunction with one another can be a little much for everyday makeup, but any of these can be used on their own or mixed and matched to create a look that’s as subtle or standout as you’d like.

Don’t Mask Your Imperfections.

Transform them.

Let the Aesthetic Center be your fairy godmother. Our cosmetic injections and facial treatments can minimize fine lines, plump lips, and smooth away the years, leaving you looking more youthful, vibrant and ready for the ball.

Dr. Mark Crawford (337)310-1070 facehealth.net

January 2018

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49

Style

& Beauty

A GUYS’ LIST

of New Year’s Style Resolutions

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, advancing in the professional world, boldly perusing dreams, and making the most of each new opportunity are usually right at the top, while being more stylish doesn’t generally make the cut. However, feeling comfortable in your own skin can actually help facilitate those other goals, so if you’re looking to make subtle improvements in 2018, here are a few tips for maximizing style with minimal effort.

by Emily Alford

Don’t be scared of self-care The skincare product aisle at the drug store can be a pretty inhospitable place for a newbie, but this year, vow to find three main products: a gentle facial cleanser that doesn’t dry out skin, a good body lotion, and a good facial moisturizer. Face skin tends to be more sensitive than the rest of the body, so if you’re washing with bar soap and skipping the moisturizer and seeing problems with acne and/or dryness, it’s probably because you need products formulated specially for your specific concerns. There’s also nothing inherently manly about ashy knees and scaly feet, and lotioning from feet to hands every morning after the shower can prevent itchy winter skin.

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Assess your stuff We’ve all got clothes we’re hanging onto on the off chance we might wear it again, but if your closets are packed with jeans that haven’t fit since high school and socks with holes in the heel, let them go. Replace ill-fitting pants and shirts with things that actually make you feel good. Buy a new six-pack of socks. Replace undershirts with stains on them. You’ll feel like a brand-new man with a wardrobe full of fresh basics.

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January 2018

Don’t stick with styles you don’t like It could be that a decade ago, you started wearing a particular style, for example, a near uniform of tee shirts and jeans, and these days, you’re thinking it might be time to upgrade to button downs. It can be scary to let go of old stuff and start thinking about changing your style to suit the ways in which your life has changed, but if you find yourself uncomfortable in your clothing, or sometimes worrying that you always seem to be wearing the wrong thing to the wrong occasion, let this be the year you decide to change to a style that better suits your job or personality. Change is good!

DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS

copiers • scanners • printers • fax • shredders

Locally owned and operated for over 30 years

600 W McNeese Street, Lake Charles | (337) 474-9913 asiofficesystems.com

Try something new January is a hopeful month, full of new beginnings and resolutions to make this year better than the last. Why not use the new year to try out some style you’ve always liked but worried you might not be able to pull off. See what your suit looks like without a tie; pair a blazer with jeans; put on that James Dean jacket and just see how it looks. If you feel great, let that be an inspiration for a slight change in your style. Even if you ultimately decide the new look isn’t for you, there’s nothing lost by trying!

ALWAYS IN YOUR CORNER Jessica Latour 337-602-6393

© 2016 Allstate Insurance Co.

January 2018

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51

Money & Career

Prep Now

for a Smoother Tax Season

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January 2018

It’s that tedious task everyone dreads but we all must endure – taxes. While we understand it’s not your favorite subject, we’d be remiss if we didn’t try to help you through the process with expert advice and valuable resources.

In this section, you’ll find hints on choosing a tax preparer, tips to avoid an audit, and a heads up on tax season scams.

Butch Ferdinandsen

CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CRPS, CRPC Investment Advisor Representative Ferdinandsen Financial Group is a marketing name. Securities and Investment Advisory services offered throughout Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SPIC.

January 2018

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53

Money & Career | Tax Prep

How to Choose a

Tax Preparer

by Andrea Mongler

With the holidays behind us, tax season is nearly here. If you’re not planning to do your taxes yourself but you don’t have a tax preparer, now’s the time to pick one.

But there are so many options. How do you choose?

First, check out tax preparers’ qualifications: What training did they receive? Do they stay up-to-date by taking continuing education classes? Do they have a professional license?

According to the IRS, three types of tax professionals — enrolled agents, certified public accountants, and tax attorneys — “have met substantial proficiency requirements.” These tax preparers are also qualified to represent their clients before the IRS on any tax-related matters, including audits, payment/collection issues, and appeals. Ideally, none of those issues will apply to you, but if they do, you’ll probably be grateful to have a competent professional who can communicate with the IRS on your behalf.

Other types of tax preparers who participate in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program have what’s known as “limited representation rights.” This means they can represent clients before the IRS only on

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January 2018

certain matters. In general, tax return preparers not listed in the searchable IRS online directory can prepare tax returns but wouldn’t be able to represent you with the IRS if there were problems after your return was filed.

You should also check a tax preparer’s history for problems like disciplinary actions. The Better Business Bureau can help with this.

In addition, if someone promises you a much bigger tax return than you were expecting before they even look at your records, it’s probably a sign that something’s fishy. The IRS also recommends avoiding tax preparers who base their fees on a percentage of your refund or who ask to deposit your refund into their own account.

Make sure the preparer offers electronic filing.

According to the IRS, “any paid preparer who prepares and files more than 10 returns for clients generally must file the returns electronically.”

Finally, Bankrate.com recommends asking any potential tax preparer for references and ensuring that the office will be open after your return has been filed in the event that you — or the IRS — have questions.

In case you need more motivation to find a competent, trustworthy professional, keep in mind that you, not your tax preparer, are legally responsible for all the information on your tax return.

If you’re still not sure where to start, ask friends, relatives, or co-workers for recommendations. Once you have a list of a few options, let the research begin!

January 2018

IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications: irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf Make a Complaint About a Tax Return Preparer: //www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/makea-complaint-about-a-tax-return-preparer Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org/lakecharles

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Money & Career | Tax Prep

Beware of Tax Scams

by Andrea Mongler

Most of us think we’ll never fall victim to a tax scam. We’re too smart for that, right?

Maybe not. Some tax scammers are incredibly savvy, and even those who aren’t can catch people off guard. The best thing you can do to avoid being scammed is to stay informed.

One of the most common scams is an IRS-impersonation telephone scam, which the IRS calls “sophisticated.” Callers using fake names and false IRS identification badge numbers claim to be IRS employees. These scammers tell victims that they owe money to the IRS and that they must pay it right away through a gift card or wire transfer.

According to the IRS, “they may know a lot about their targets, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling.”

The scammers often target recent immigrants and threaten them with deportation. Victims with limited English proficiency may be addressed in their own language.

Here’s how to tell you’re being targeted by an IRS-impersonation scam. The IRS: • Usually mails you a bill first if you owe taxes and will never call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method.

• Will not threaten to have you arrested.

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• Will not demand that you pay without giving you an opportunity to question or appeal the amount.

• Does not ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

The IRS won’t initiate contact with you via email either. This is important to remember, as some tax scammers target victims through phishing, or fake IRS emails that ask for your Social Security number or other personal information.

As TurboTax puts it, “think twice or three times before giving out credit card or other financial information online.”

Those are the major tax scams, but they aren’t the only ones. Beware of groups pretending to be charities to attract donations from contributors looking to make tax-free donations, for example. Be especially wary of groups with names that are similar to well-known organizations.

Also watch out for return preparer fraud. According to the IRS, “the vast majority of tax professionals provide honest high-quality service.” However, “there are some dishonest preparers who set up shop each filing season to perpetrate refund fraud, identity theft, and other scams that hurt taxpayers.”

Finally, trust your gut. If something feels fishy or underhanded, it probably is.

When it comes to potential tax scams, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

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To see the IRS’s “Dirty Dozen” scams, visit: www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-summarizesdirty-dozen-list-of-tax-scams-for-2017 To report a tax scam, visit: www.irs.gov/businesses/smallbusinesses-self-employed/tax-scamshow-to-report-them To check a charity’s tax status, visit: www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/ exempt-organizations-select-check

January 2018

Avoid the Audit Red Flags to Watch For

by Andrea Mongler

No one wants to be audited by the IRS. Fortunately, most of us won’t be. According to the IRS, only about one percent of people who file a 1040 tax form are audited each year.

For high-income taxpayers, however, the chances of being audited are much higher: More than 30 percent of those who earn over $200,000 a year and more than 12 percent of those making upward of $1 million are audited.

Regardless of your income, “you have to have good documentation for every single thing you report on your tax return,” says Kelly Love, manager at accounting firm J. Walker & Co. “That’s the most important thing.”

Here are some other steps you should take to reduce the likelihood that you’ll be on the receiving end of an IRS audit: Double-check your return.

It may seem obvious, but you should always check your figures. According to TurboTax, erroneous data entry is one of the most common red flags for auditors. It’s also easily preventable. If you’re preparing your own tax return, wait for all of your bank statements, income reports, and other paperwork to arrive before you start. If you find an error on a 1099 form you received, ask the company to issue a corrected one rather than letting the discrepancy stand.

Report all of your income.

Don’t be tempted to keep any

January 2018

Accounting • Assurance • Auditing Tax • Business Accounting

earnings “under the table” — even if you were paid in cash. If you underreport your income, an audit might be the least of your worries. You may get in legal trouble, too.

Be careful with deductions.

Deductions can lower your tax bill — sometimes by a lot.

But investment website, The Motley Fool, notes that “if you don’t have impeccable records supporting those deductions, you’re opening the door to trouble.” If you want to claim the home office deduction, for example, carefully track all your expenses related to the work you do from your home office.

Side note: Be especially cautious with the home office deduction along with deductions for things like travel and business meals. These are easy to abuse, and the IRS keeps a close eye on them. Same story for the home buyer tax credit.

File your return electronically.

The chances of making an error — and potentially triggering an audit — are substantially lower with electronically filed returns. According to the IRS, 21 percent of paper returns contain errors but only 0.5 percent of electronically filed returns do. So whether you’re filing your return yourself or using a tax preparer, e-filing is the way to go.

In a nutshell, be honest, be thorough, and use e-filing.

Chances are you’ll avoid the audit, but even if you don’t, you’ll be prepared.

Jonald J. Walker III, CPA, CGMA Kelly Love, CPA Christine Pundt, CPA Providing clients with a wide range of accounting, tax and financial management services tailored to meet today’s challenging times.

2740 Rue de Jardin, Ste. 100 | Lake Charles, LA 70605 337.478.7902 5100 Westheimer Road, Ste. 231 | Houston, Texas 77056 713.588.4460

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Money & Career

Making Payments

with Phone Apps

by Mitch Thomas

Financial apps can make handling money even faster and easier, often reducing payments to only a couple clicks.

With mini-computers, aka smart phones, in our purses or back pockets, managing our money and making payments are only a couple clicks away. Most apps manage a user’s online payments by linking the user’s bank accounts and cards to an app account with its own balance. Payments will withdraw from the balance and from the linked bank accounts or cards if there are no funds in the balance. Any payments received will be added to the balance, which can then be transferred to a bank account later or used to make other payments. Besides this basic function, different apps offer different services.

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PayPal PayPal, which boasts more than 200 million users and is accepted by millions of brands, strives to handle all payments from online shopping quickly and conveniently. Online stores with a “Check out with PayPal” button allow customers to simply use a username and password to make a payment, and with One Touch, only a couple of clicks are needed. There are no costs to buy goods and services, and any payments to other PayPal accounts made with the balance or linked bank account are free, but transfers made through a debit or credit card will come with a fee of 2.9% of the payment plus $0.30.

Venmo Venmo incorporates social media into its app by allowing users to share notifications of their payments with friends who also use the app. Venmo will ask to access a user’s contacts or Facebook account to find other users to add to the friend’s list,

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and any payments those friends choose to share will appear in the user’s feed.

Payments do not have to be shared, and each payment will also ask whether to share the payment information or keep it private.

Venmo is geared towards money transfers made among friends, and can be useful for handling shared bills or sending money gifts. Like PayPal, Venmo charges a 2.9% fee for paying with a credit card, but bank accounts and debit cards are free.

Square Cash Square’s Cash App streamlines the payment process to a core functionality without the social media experience of Venmo, while also offering some additional features. Users can create a cashtag (a $ with a unique handle afterwards, such as $cashtag) which can be used in place of contact information to send payments to the user through the app, and a cash.me link can be used by those that don’t use the app to send payment by a one-time input of a debit card.

January 2018

Square Cash can also generate a virtual card linked to a Square account that can be used like a debit card. The card isn’t tied to the user’s bank account, so it can provide a degree of separation from one’s personal finances when shopping online.

Apple Pay and Google Wallet Both Apple and Google incorporate their own payment management systems

into their various services, which are tied to a user’s Apple or Google account.

Apple Pay, accessible through the Wallet app on an iPad or iPhone, can be used to pay for in-app purchases, purchases made online through Safari, or even in select stores. Like Venmo and Square Cash, payments can be made among contacts using Messages, which will then apply funds to an Apple Pay Cash card in the Wallet app.

Google Wallet likewise allows for payments among contacts through the app with a phone number or through Gmail. Though Google Wallet isn’t available for store purchases, it can automatically transfer any payments received directly into a bank account, a feature also shared with Square Cash.

We’ve Migrated to Sulphur!

While some big banks are closing and leaving neighborhoods throughout Southwest Louisiana, Lakeside is migrating to new areas to serve you better. We are proud to announce the opening of our new, temporary location on Maplewood Drive in Sulphur while our new banking center is being constructed.

Stop by and meet our friendly staff and experience superior, local service. Be sure to ask about our FREE checking and other fee-free services.

2594 Maplewood Drive, Sulphur • (337) 502-4830 • lakesidebanking.com • January 2018

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Money & Career

How to Make your Mornings More Productive

Imagine a typical weekday -- it’s already noon, and you haven’t checked a single item off your to-do list. Sound familiar?

No worries. With just a few tweaks to your morning routine, you can learn to make the most of every minute. While there is no single recipe to start the day right, there are several common habits practiced by successful people.

Prep the night before to ensure a more efficient morning. Lay out the clothes you’ll wear and organize the things you’ll take with you. Pre-set the coffee pot and pack your lunch the night before. Evening is also the best time to write a to-do list for the following day.

The fewer things you need to do and decide upon in the morning, the more time you’ll have for other tasks.

Get enough good sleep. Enough can’t be said about how much sleep affects your productivity. That’s an article all to itself.

Devise a morning routine that works for you. Routines are time savers, unless your routine is full of unnecessary activity. Evaluate your routine and eliminate anything that is not useful.

Move and hydrate. Not everyone has time for a trip to the gym in the morning, but some type of movement is key to getting your body and your day

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off to a good start. Even if only a brisk walk around the block, your productivity will increase. Drinking several glasses of water with a spritz of lemon juice will also amp up your energy level.

Eat a healthy breakfast. A healthy breakfast, including protein, gives you energy, improves your short-term memory, and helps you concentrate more intensely and for longer periods.

Once at your workplace, de-clutter your work space. A neat tidy work area generally increases efficiency.

Tackle your hardest assignments first.

Having the difficult chores out of the way frees your day for other tasks and gives you a boost of confidence.

Don’t multi-task. Though some may find this ability admirabe, it is actually counter-productive. Research conducted at Stanford University confirmed that multi-tasking is less productive than doing a single thing at a time. The Stanford researchers compared groups of people based on their tendency to multi-task and their belief that it helps their performance. They found that heavy multi-taskers (those who multitask a lot and feel that it boosts their performance) were actually worse at multi-tasking than those who like to do a single thing at a time. The frequent

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multi-taskers performed worse because they had more trouble organizing their thoughts and filtering out irrelevant information, and they were slower at switching from one task to another.

Multi-tasking reduces your efficiency and performance because your brain can only focus adequately on one thing at a time. When you try to do two things at once, your brain lacks the capacity to perform both tasks successfully.

Learn to say no. Research conducted at the University of California in San Francisco showed that the more difficulty you have saying no, the more likely you are to experience stress, burnout, and even depression. Learn to use the word no, and it will lift your mood as well as your productivity.

The bottom line is that everyone is different and no two people will thrive with the same routine. But maintaining an enjoyable routine is ideal. Determine what works best for YOU!

January 2018

Where you go to stay in the know!

Little Free Pantry Ribbon Cutting

The Lake Charles Happy Hour Rotary Club held a ribbon cutting for the first Little Free Pantry on December 14. The Little Free Pantry is located near Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School and offers books, non-perishable food items, and toiletries to anyone in need. The Club, and especially member Brian Pitre, led the way in this effort, with help from other sponsors, including Healthier Southwest Louisiana, Thrive magazine, Image 360 Lake Charles, Tender Lawn Care Services, KillerDye.com and Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School.

Alliance for Positive Growth Announces Plans for 1st Annual Positive Growth Awards

The Alliance for Positive Growth (APG) has released information and criteria for the Southwest Louisiana’s first annual Positive Growth Awards in 2018.

Award applications and sponsorship opportunities are available now online at www.apgrowth.org/awards/. The guest speaker for the award event will be Governor John Bel Edwards. The exact date of the event is pending the governor’s schedule as it will have to be after the spring legislative session, which could include a special session. The date will be announced as soon as his schedule is confirmed.

Home Health Agency of WCCH Recognized as 2017 Elite Patient Experience Recipient

The Home Health Agency of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) has been named a 2017 Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS) Honors elite recipient, a prestigious award recognizing home health agencies that continuously provide the best patient experience.

HEALTHCAREfirst, formerly Deyta Analytics, identified Honors recipients by evaluating performance on a set of nineteen satisfaction indicator measures.

HEALTHCAREfirst holds a special recognition, HHCAHPS Honors Elite, to honor home health agencies, such as WCCH, scoring above the HEALTHCAREfirst National Average on all nineteen of the evaluated questions.

All Systems GROW. Be a Part of It! The Alliance for Positive Growth is an organization of professionals in the fields of real estate, development, construction and all other interested parties working together to protect property rights

For more information, as well as the on-line application form, visit APgrowth.org/awards/, e-mail awards@ apgrowth.org, or call (337) 602-6788.

and promote strong, beneficial growth in Southwest Louisiana.

To learn more, visit: APGrowth.org January 2018

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Mind & Body

Gym Bag

Essentials As you strive to achieve your fitness goals, a well-stocked gym bag can help you along in that process. Consider packing the following items before you head to your next exercise class.

A clean, absorbent towel, because you know you’re going to sweat.

Earbuds and a source of tunes.

An extra shirt, in case you need to run errands afterwards and want to be dry.

Disinfectant wipes. Your facility should provide them, but if they don’t or they run out, it’s important to wipe off weights and aerobic equipment before and after use.

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January 2018

A lock to keep personal items safe while you work out.

A spare water bottle. Hydration is important.

An energy bar. Exercise works up an appetite!

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Gets your membership started *Some restrictions apply

Let us help you

CALL TODAY.

in your fight for change.

SULPHUR (337) 527-5459 545 Cypress St.

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MOSS BLUFF (337) 855-7708 602 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy.

• Degreed and certified trainers • Group fitness classes featuring a nationally-accredited fitness system • On-site childcare with KidCheck • Aquatic fitness classes • Silver Sneakers classes and program • 24-hour access at both Dynamic Dimensions locations

SMOOTHIES! In your quest for health, remember our drive-thru Smoothie Bar for on-the-go delicious nutrition. It’s available to everyone!

January 2018

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Meet the Newest Members of our Physician Team Brett Goodwin, MD Cardiologist

600 Dr. Michael DeBakey Dr., Lake Charles | (337) 436-3813 Imperial Health is proud to welcome Brett Goodwin, MD, to our medical staff. Dr. Goodwin is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, and Adult Echocardiography. He is board eligible in Nuclear Cardiology.

Originally from Southwest Louisiana, Dr. Goodwin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a Certificate in Health Policy from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He returned to Louisiana to attend Tulane University in New Orleans, where he earned a Medical Degree from Tulane University School of Medicine and a Masters in Business Administration from the Tulane Freeman School of Business. Dr. Goodwin completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Duke University and a Cardiology Fellowship at The Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Goodwin is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American College of Physicians.

He joins the Cardiovascular Specialists at Imperial Health.

Benjamin Fontenot, MD Family Medicine Physician 277 Highway 171, Suite 8, Moss Bluff | (337) 312-0030 Imperial Health is proud to welcome Benjamin Fontenot, MD, to our medical staff.

Dr. Fontenot is board certified in family medicine.

Originally from Lake Charles, Dr. Fontenot completed his undergraduate studies at McNeese State University in Lake Charles. After studying basic sciences in the Caribbean, he earned a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctor of Medicine from Sint Eustatius School of Medicine on the Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius. He completed his residency at the LSU Family Medicine Residency at University Hospital & Clinics in the Lafayette General Health System in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Dr. Fontenot joins Dr. Jason Morris at Imperial Health’s Moss Bluff family practice office.

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January 2018

Jason Burklow, MD Family Medicine Physician

4150 Nelson Road, Building A, Suite 3, Lake Charles | (337) 474-7290 Imperial Health is proud to welcome Jason Burklow, MD, to our medical staff. Dr. Burklow is board certified in family medicine.

Originally from Lake Charles, Dr. Burklow earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He received a Doctor of Medicine from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine on the island of St. Maarten.

Dr. Burklow completed a Family Medicine Residency at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital as a part of the Louisiana State University Health Science Center Family Medicine Residency Program.

Dr. Burklow joins the family practice office of Dr. John A. DiGiglia III.

Joseph Crookshank III, MD Interventional Pain Management Specialist and Anesthesiologist 1747 Imperial Blvd., Lake Charles | (337) 721-7236 Imperial Health is proud to welcome Joseph Crookshank III, MD, to our medical staff. He joins the Center for Orthopaedics’ group of musculoskeletal specialists.

Originally from Lake Charles, Dr. Crookshank earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from McNeese State University in Lake Charles and a Doctor of Medicine from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He completed an Internal Medicine intern year at Earl K. Long Medical Center in Baton Rouge, an Anesthesiology Residency at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, and a Fellowship in Interventional Pain Management at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

He is board certified in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Management by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Crookshank has been involved in numerous advanced clinical research studies and has a special interest in neuromodulation, non-opiod based management of chronic pain, and pharmacological research.

January 2018

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Mind

& Body

Preventing Workout-Related Injuries Tips to Keep Your New Year’s Fitness Goals on Track

by Christine Fisher

You’re determined. You’re focused.

Now’s the time.

You’re ready to kick off a fitness routine. And, you’re not alone. You’ll join most every other American in making that time-honored New Year’s Resolution to get in shape.

Making exercise part of a routine is always a good idea. For those who haven’t exercised regularly, though, it’s important to be smart when beginning so that you’re not sidelined with an injury.

“It’s great to be motivated and dedicated and we will encourage you every step of the way, but we will also help you get into your fitness routine smartly, so that you stay motivated and not injured,” explained Suzy Trahan, ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, ACE certified personal trainer, and director of Dynamic Dimensions fitness centers of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.

Injuries are one of the most common reasons fitness goals get derailed. Sedentary individuals who jump into a fitness routine,

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going to the gym every day and pushing themselves too hard, are ripe for an injury.

The good news is that workout injuries are, for the most part, preventable. Keeping a few safety tips in mind will go a long way to keeping you active and exercising instead of nursing an injury and delaying your New Year’s fitness goals.

Here are some of the most common gym injuries and how to prevent them: Twisted ankle. A momentary slip while on the treadmill or in a step or Zumba class can result in a painful ankle. “The best way to prevent an ankle injury is to focus on your movements,” said Trahan. “It can happen if you only partially put your foot down on the treadmill or step; this causes the ankle to roll under the weight of your body. Instead, it’s important to firmly plant your whole foot down solidly.”

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Shin splints. That sharp pain near the shinbone is a sign of medial tibial stress syndrome, or shin splints. These can occur in people who often run or jump during their workout, if they haven’t properly warmed up, or if they try to do too much too soon.

“Overexertion by running or jumping too vigorously can cause pain and it can develop into a stress fracture which makes even walking painful,” Trahan said. “To avoid this, gradually increase the intensity and frequency of your workout if you haven’t been active for the past few months. Sore muscles in the shin are expected if you haven’t been exercising, but constant radiating pain would be more indicative of a potential injury.”

Knee sprain. Pain under the kneecap, known as runner’s knee, is often a result from overexertion. When other muscles that support the weight of the body are weak, the knees take all the stress. It’s important to strengthen the muscles that support the knees -- the hip flexors and quadriceps. “When

January 2018

doing squats, it’s important to ensure your knees are not extending beyond your feet; they should always be in alignment,” said Trahan. “If you’re prone to knee problems, consider low-impact exercises such as the stationery bike or elliptical machine. These will help to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint so that other exercises are more effective and less painful.”

Properly warming up is one of the best ways to prevent injuries. “Warming up is a crucial part of a good fitness routine.

It gradually increases your heart rate and loosens your muscles and joints,” she said.

“An effective warm up consists of dynamic and rhythmic movements that increase blood flow while encouraging range of motion in all planes of movement. This helps increase flexibility and is another injury-preventive safeguard. Save static stretching for after the workout as this can deactivate muscles and lead to muscular imbalance during your workout. Yoga-type

stretches are excellent because they will not deactivate muscles while stretching.”

In addition to a warmup, starting gradually is another important component of a healthy fitness routine.

“We’re very determined in January and it’s easy to jump into the fitness regime too quickly. If you’ve been sedentary for several months, try easing into a routine by working out one or two times a week.

Over time, add another day and increase the workout duration,” she said. “Build up gradually.”

alignment, sometimes it’s hard to know that when you’re beginning. You don’t have to guess and hope for the best; we’re here for you,” Trahan said.

For more information, call Dynamic Dimensions in Sulphur at (337) 527-5459 or in Moss Bluff at (337) 855-7708 or visit dynamicdimensionsfitness.com.

Above all, Trahan advises, “Listen to your body. Don’t push yourself to the point of pain.”

The trainers and group instructors at Dynamic Dimensions are certified and degreed, offering expert advice on how to perform various exercises for optimum benefit. “We’ll help ensure you’re in proper

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January 2018

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Mind

& Body

Got Exercise on your Resolution List?

by Andrea Mongler

Here’s how to Stick with It

Gym regulars know: January at the gym is jam-packed. A rush of New Year’s resolutionmakers with the best of intentions swarm the weight room, fill the exercise classes, and grab coveted spots on the cardio machines.

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January 2018

But before long — by February, maybe — the resolution-makers have become resolution-breakers. The madness has passed, and the regulars have the place to themselves again.

If you have a history of making and breaking exercise resolutions, don’t worry. With a few simple steps, you can become a committed exerciser.

joining a fitness class, hiring a trainer, or simply giving a friend or family member regular updates about your progress.

Be realistic. Otherwise you’ll set yourself up for failure. For example, if you currently never work out, don’t commit to going to the gym five days a week or to running every morning before work.

Those are good ways to burn out or get hurt. Instead, start small — commit to twice-weekly gym visits, perhaps, or take a walk three days a week. After you’ve established a certain level of exercise, you can increase the number, duration, and/or intensity of your workouts.

Make it fun. If you hate running, then by all means, don’t run! Take a Zumba class, hike in the woods, ride your bike, play basketball with your friends, or find something else you enjoy doing.

Better yet, the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability suggests mixing things up. If you like variety, don’t do the same workout every day. Instead, incorporate a variety of exercises into your regular rotation.

Be accountable. Or rather, have someone to be accountable to. If you have a friend or two to work out with, great. Knowing that someone is expecting you to show up can be a real motivator on days when you’d rather hit the snooze button. Other options include

Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you skip a week (or two or three) you aren’t a failure. Just restart your routine — or a new one. If you need to, start small and work your way back up.

Have a plan. According to fitness website Active.com, you should answer three questions before you start a new exercise routine: 1. When will I exercise?

2. What type of exercise will I do?

3. How much time will each exercise session last?

It will be easier to stick with a plan if you have one in the first place! But don’t be afraid to change it regularly as you progress. Likewise, you don’t have to follow your plan to a T. If you’re scheduled to go for a walk at 7:30 but you feel like lifting weights at 6:30, go for it!

Staying committed to your exercise resolutions won’t be effortless, but it will be worth it. Make 2018 the year those resolutions stick!

Enhancing your face requires the skill of a surgeon and the eye of an artist.

Making skin smooth and tight again is only a part of facial plastic surgery. Also, consider the balance and proportions of your face – the relationship of your chin, nose, eyes and ears to your total appearance. Adjusting this balance creates a face that is more youthful, more delicately shaped, more gently perfected. You want to look better, not different.

Jeffrey J. Joseph, md, facs

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The eye of an artist.

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board-certified & fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon jeffrey j. joseph, md, facs January 2018

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!

Solutions for Life

from Solutions Counseling & EAP

by Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP

2018’s Inner Resolution It happened again!

Somehow I got behind the absolute slowest driver at exactly the time I was most in a rush! “Why does this keep happening to me???” I thought to myself as I toyed with the idea of passing the person up on a two lane road.

And then I realized why it keeps happening to me . . .

Typically at this time of year, I write about resolutions – something that I’m going to work on in myself that I think you might find useful. While outer resolutions are fine (losing weight, stopping smoking, etc.), I tend to focus on inner resolutions.

Inner resolutions are those conscious decisions to be a better person.

And this year my inner resolution is to learn the lessons put before me.

See, I know why I keep getting behind slow drivers. For the same reason she keeps getting in unhealthy relationships.

And the same reason he keeps getting taken advantage of by others.

The reason is – we haven’t learned the lesson yet.

Life is full of lessons, and I believe we get to have as many “do overs” as it takes to learn the lesson.

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Once you learn the lesson, you move on to the next lesson.

The Hole

Lessons often look like obstacles – things that are in your way. I believe those “obstacles” are often put in our paths to force us to slow down and re-think our approach. I can’t tell you how many times being behind that “turtle” of a driver has given me the opportunity to look again at how I wanted to handle the very thing I was racing towards. Being forced to slow down without an alternate route allowed me to choose my words/ actions/attitude again – and more carefully this time.

Then he realizes he is in a deep hole. He tries to find his way out, and

I heard a monk speak recently. He indicated that he is regularly stopped by law enforcement as he is driving while wearing his brown robes and with his shaved head. He used to get very angry and frustrated about being “profiled” because of the way he looks. Now, he tries to remember that he has just been given an opportunity to practice the thing he wants to work on in himself – patience.

One of my favorite parables explains this article’s concept perfectly:

On the first day . . . a man walks down a street . . .

Suddenly the world goes dark. He thinks he is lost. it takes a very long time. Once he is out the day is gone . . . so he walks back home.

On the second day . . . the man walks down the same street.

The world goes dark again. He is in the hole again.

He takes a while to recognize where he is.

Eventually he finds his way out . . . and so again he walks back home.

On the third day . . . the man again walks down the street.

He knows the hole is there and pretends not to see the hole . . . and closes his eyes. Once again he falls into the hole, and climbs out . . . and walks back home; the day lost once again.

On the fourth day . . . the man walks cautiously down the street.

He sees the hole and this time walks around it. He is pleased.

But the world goes dark again. He has fallen into another hole.

He climbs out of the second hole, walks home . . . and alas . . . falls into the first hole. He gets out of the first hole . . . and walks back home . . . to think.

On the fifth day . . . the man walks confidently down the street.

He sees the first hole . . . and recognizes it.

He walks around it . . . but forgets the second hole, which he walks directly into.

He gets out immediately . . . and walks straight back home – to weep and hope.

On the sixth day . . . the man walks nervously down the street.

The hole is there and he thinks, “I won’t fall into the hole again,” and walks around the hole. He sees the second hole, avoids the second hole . . . but as he passes, he loses his balance . . . and falls in. Climbing out he walks back home . . . taking the time to carefully avoid all the holes.

On the seventh day . . . the same man goes for a walk . . . and chooses to walk down a different street.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

January 2018

We’re Honored

The Home Health Agency of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, under the medical direction of Drs. Jason and Kelly Fuqua, was nationally recognized for outstanding patient satisfaction by the Home Health Care Providers and Systems Survey, or HHCAPS, with HHCAHPS Honors Elite.

While the honor is greatly appreciated, we feel privileged every day to provide the quality care our patients need to remain comfortable at home. The honor is truly ours.

Skilled Nursing Care | Home Health Aide Services | Physical Therapy | Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy | Medical Social Services | Medical Supplies

1327 Stelly Lane, Suite 1, Sulphur

(337) 527-4362 | wcch.com

Email or Text Notification when your RX is ready!

ThriftyWay PHARMACY #2

Friendly service from your home town pharmacy.

• Citywide Delivery Service • Drive-Thru Pick-Up Window • E-Mail and Call in RX Service

601 S. Pine Street • DeRidder, LA 70634 • (337) 463-7442 www.thriftyway.com • thriftyway2@thriftyway.com January 2018

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

www.thriveswla.com

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Thank You, CITGO Lake Charles Employees, for Giving!

CITGO United Way Campaign 2017

CITGO Lake Charles Refinery United Way representatives at CITGO Park: Back row, left to right: Olivia Karam, Jason Guidry, John Heurtevant, Kevin Mothershed, Scott Helton, Jason Chesson, and Joe Bilbo, Sr. Middle Row, left to right: Lila Jackson, Ann Stacy, Missy Amidon and United Way SWLA President and Chief Executive Officer Denise Durel. Front Row, left to right: Diana LeBlanc, Tammy Spell, Kim Brewer and Jessica Citizen.

CITGO Petroleum Corporation thanks the CITGO Lake Charles employees for giving to the 2017 Be the One to Make a Difference CITGO United Way campaign. CITGO Lake Charles continues to be the largest benefactor of the United Way SWLA. This year’s donation totaled $713,588.

most pressing health and human service needs represented in our region. Our employees, salaried and hourly—supported by three bargaining units—were essential in meeting the need of United Way SWLA. We would like to say thank you to:

• Internal Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, Local Employees’ donations go directly to United Way SWLA and Lodge 1317 help support the organization’s 33 agencies and 54 programs • Lake Charles Metal Trades Council in the region that continue to make a huge difference in the • Office & Professional Employees International Union, Local 129 quality of life of people. The campaign provides funds for the

Together, we continue to fuel good things for our community.

©2017 CITGO Petroleum Corporation 72 www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

January 2018